THE

GAEDENEE

A MAGAZINE

OF

HORTICDLTURE AND ELORICULTURE

EDITED BY

WILLIAM THOMSON

DALKEITH GARDENS

AUTHOR OF 'A PRACTICAL TREATISE ON THE CULTURE OF THE GRAPE VINE'

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WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS

EDINBURGH AND LONDON

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THE ''''^*

GARDENER.

JANUARY 1869.

TO OUR READERS.

N making our appearance before you on this the first
day of a new year, we wish yon the usual compliments
of the season. At the same time, we feel that you
are entitled to more than this at our hands. Thanks for your
kind patronage in the past, and for the indulgence you have
extended to our many defects. We earnestly hope to retain the
former and to remedy the latter. With a view to this, we have
made such additions to our regular staff of writers, including
some of the most successful practical gardeners in Britain, as
will enable us to fill the pages of the ' Gardener' during the cur-
rent year with valuable information on nearly every topic that
can interest the horticulturist, to whatever class he may belong.
The important subject of the cultivation of vegetables and
proper management of the kitchen-garden has been intrusted
to Mr D. Thomson of Drumlanrig, author of 'The Handy Book
of the Flower-Garden,' &c. The Eev. S. Eeynolds Hole will
continue his delightful papers on the Eose. The subject of
^j hardy fruit cultivation will be treated of in detail. We shall
5^' continue our papers on the culture of forced fruit. Having dis-
c^"? covered during the last year that many of our readers were
^ dissatisfied because we omitted detailed reports of the great hor-
>3 ticultural exhibitions of the season, — with a view to meet their

2 THE GARDENER. [Jan.

wishes we shall give reports of the most important of those held
(luring the present 3^ear, even if we have to add an additional
half-sheet to prevent the abridgment of our usual matter.

AVe shall be happy to receive communications from our
readers on all matters connected with Horticulture and Floricul-
ture, whether these be intended to convey or elicit information.
Anything that can give impetus to the great horticultural wave
which we hope ere long to see inundating the whole land, and
carrying with it increased happiness, comfort, and refinement,
alike to the dwellers in the humble cottage and the lordly hall,
shall have our earnest and persevering attention.

THE ROSE.

{Continued from page 517 of 1868.)
CHAPTER VI. — MANURES.

I OPENED noiselessly the other morning, that I might enjoy a father's
gladness, the door of a room in which my little boy, " six off," was at
his play. He was evidently entertaining an illustrious visitor, a beloved
and honoured guest. The table, surrounded by every available chair,
with a fire-screen for the front door, and a music-stool, inverted atop
to represent the main stack of chimneys, was converted into a palace of
art. The banquet had just commenced, and the courteous host was re-
commending to his distinguished guest (a very large and handsome black
retriever, by name " Colonel ") the viands before him. These viands,
upon a cursory glance through the chair-legs, did not strike me as of
an appetising or digestible character — the two iiieces cle resistance con-
sisting of a leg-rest and a small coal-scuttle, and the side-dishes being
specimens of the first Atlantic Telegraph Cable, presented to me by
Sir Charles Bright, with a selection of exploded cartridges, sea-shells,
ninepins, and keys. In the vivid imagination of childhood, notwith-
standing, they represented all the luxuries dearest to the palate of
youth ; and if the Colonel, who, by the by, was in full uniform, made
from the supplement of the ' Times ' newspaper, and was decore with
the Order of the String and Penwiper, had partaken of a tithe of the
delicacies pressed on him, and according to the order in which they
were served, there must have been inevitably speedy promotion in his
regiment. The entertainment commenced with cheese, passed on to

1869.] THE ROSE. 3

hasty-pudding and beer, wLich was followed in rapid succession by-
peaches, beef, roley-poley, hare, more hasty-pudding, honey, apricots,
boiled rabbits, &c. "And now. Colonel, dear," were the last words I
heard, ''you shall have some custard and pine-apple, and then we'll
smoke a cigar."

In like manner does the wee golden-haired lassie delight to do
homage to the queen of her little world, her doll, watching her
tenderly, and singing a lullaby which, regarding the condition of those
two immense blue eyes, appears to be quite hopeless ; then decking
her with every bit of finery which she can beg from mammy or nurse,
and waiting upon her with a fond untiring service.

And even so did I, in the childhood of that life which is always
young — do not our hearts foreknow, my brothers, the happy truth,
which old men certify, that the love of flowers is of those few earthly
pleasures which age cannot wither? — even so did I, in

" My sallet days,
When I was green in judgment,"

essay, with an enthusiastic though ofttimes mistaken zeal, to propitiate
and to serve the Kose. And specially, as with my little boy and his
large idol, in the matter of food. I tried to please her with a great
diversity of diet. I made anxious experiment of a multiplicity of
manures — organic and inorganic, animal and vegetable, cheap and
costly, home and foreign. I laboured to discover her favourite dish as
earnestly as the alchymist to realise the Philosopher's Stone, but I dif-
fered from the alchymist in one essential point — I found it I

Where ? Not down among the bones. I tried bones of all denomi-
nations— bones in their integrity, bones crushed, bones powdered, bones
dissolved with sulphuric and muriatic acid, as Liebig bade ; and I have
a very high admiration of the bone as a most sure and fertilising
manure. For agricultural purposes, for turnips, for grass recently laid
down, or for a starved exhausted pasture, whereupon you may write your
name with it ; and in horticulture, for the lighter soils, for the vine-
border, for plants (the Pelargonium especially), it is excellent ; but in
the Rosary, although a magnum (I feel in writing the pun like the little
boy who chalked " No Popery " on Doctor Wiseman's door, half
ashamed of the deed, and desirous to run), it is not the summum honum
of manures.

Nor up the chimney — though, for Roses on the Manetti Stock, and
for Tea-Roses, soot is good manure, and useful as a surface-dressing
for hot, dry soils. Nor among the autumn leaves, although these also,
decayed to mould, are very advantageous to the Teas, Noisettes, and
Bourbons, and to all Roses grown on their own roots. Sure and great

4 THE GARDENER. [Jan.

is their reviving power, which gives back to the ground, according to
the gracious law of Providence, tlie strength which was borrowed from
it, but not so great as that old lady hoped, who, bringing home a mis-
taken impression, after listening to a conversation between two garden-
ers on the beneficial influence of leaf-mould on Tea-Roses, collected for
weeks the morning and evening remains of the Tea-pot, and applied
them to her Rose-trees " to transform them," as she told her acquaint-
ance (and I am assured of the fact by one of them), " into Tea-scented
Chinas next summer."

Nor, crossing the seas, among those bird-islands of Peru, Bolivia,
Patagonia, where, rainless, barren, deserted, as they seemed to man, the
fish-fed fowls of the ocean were accumulating for centuries a treasure-heap
more precious than gold — millions upon millions of tons of rich manure,
which has multiplied the food of nations throughout the civilised
world, and still remains in immense abundance for us and generations
after us. Guano, nevertheless, is not the manure for Roses. Its in-
fluence is quickly and prominently acknowledged by additional size
and brightness of foliage, but the efflorescence, so far as my experi-
ments have shown, derives no advantage as to vigour or beauty; and
even on the leaf the effect is transitory.

Nor in the guano of animal implume — not in the soil called night.
The Romans reverenced Cloacina, the goddess of the sewers, and the
statue which they found of her in the great drains of Tarquinius, was
beautiful as Venus's self ; but they honoured her, doubtless, only as a
wise sanatory commissioner, who removed their impurities, and, so
doing, brought health to their heroes and loveliness to their maidens.
They only knew half her merits ; but in Olympus, we may readily be-
lieve, there was fuller justice done. Although weaker goddesses may
have been unkind — may have averted their divine noses when Cloacina
passed, and made ostentatious use of scent-bottle and pocket-handker-
chief— Flora, and Pomona, and Ceres would ever admire her virtues,
and beseech her benign influence upon the garden, the orchard, and
the farm. But the terrestrials never thought that foix urhis might be
lux orbis, and they polluted their rivers, as we ours, with that which
should have fertilised their lands. And we blame the Romans very
much indeed ; and we blame everybody else very much indeed ; and
we do hope the time will soon be here when such a sinful waste will
no longer disgrace an enlightened age ; but, beyond the contribution
of this occasional homily, it is, of course, no affair of ours. Each man
assures his neighbour that the process of desiccation is quite easy, and
the art of deodorising almost nice; but nobody "goes in." The
reader, I have no doubt, has with me had large experience of this per-
versity in neighbours, and ofttimes has been perplexed and pained

1869.] THE ROSE. 5

by their dogged strange reluctance to follow the very best advice.
There was at Cambridge, five-and-twenty years, an insolent, foul-
mouthed, pugnacious sweep, who escaped for two terms the sublime
licking which he " annexed " finally, because no one liked to tackle the
soot. There were scores of undergraduates, to whom pugilism was a
thing of beauty and a joy for ever, who had the power and the desire to
punish his impudence, but they thought of the close wrestle, — they re-
flected on the "hug," and left him. To drop metaphor, there is no more
valuable manure ; but it is, from circumstances which require no ex-
planation, more suitable for the farm than the garden, especially as we
have a substitute, quite as efficacious, and far more convenient and
agreeable in use.

No, not "burnt earth." I spoke as earnestly as I could of the
value of that application in my last chapter (p. 513), because it is
impossible in many cases to exaggerate its worth, but I alluded at the
same time to another indispensable addition which must be made to
the soil of a Eose-garden, and now I will tell you what it is : I will
tell you where I found the Philosopher's Stone in the words of that
fable by ^sop, which is, I believe, the first of the series, and which
was first taught to me in the French language, — " Un coq, grattant
sur un fuynier, trouvait par hazard une ^9ier?*e precieuse ; " or, as it is
written in our English version, " A brisk young cock, in company
with two or three pullets, his mistresses, raking upon a dunghill for
something to entertain them with, happened to scratch up a jewel."
The little allegory is complete : I was the brisk young cock, my
favourite pullet was the Eose, and in a heap of farmyard manure I
found the gift so precious to her.

Yes, here is the mine of gold and silver, gold medals and silver
cups for the grower of prize Eoses ; and to all who love them, the
best diet for their health and beauty, the most strengthening tonic
for their weakness, and the surest medicine for disease. " Dear me ! "
exclaims some fastidious reader, " what a nasty brute the man is !
He seems quite to revel in refuse, and to dance on his dunghill with
delight ! " The man owns to the soft impeachment. If the man had
been a Eoman Emperor he would have erected the most magnificent
temple in honour of Sterculus, the son of Faunus, that Eome ever
saw. Because Sterculus, the son of Faunus — so Pliny tells — dis-
covered the art and advantage of spreading dung upon the land ; and
he should have appeared in the edifice dedicated to him graven larger
than life in pure gold, riding proudly in his family chariot, the currus
Stereurosus (Anglice, muck-cart), with the agricultural trident in his
hand. As it is, I always think of him with honour when I meet the
vehicle in which he loved to drive — have ever a smile of extra sweet-

6 THE GARDENER. [Jan.

ness for the wide-moutlied \\addling cliarioteer, and am pained at
heart to find the precious commodity fallen, or, as they say in Lanca-
shire, " slattered," on the road. Ah ! but once, that fastidious reader
will be pleased to hear, the man brought himself to sore shame and
confusion by this wild passionate affection. Eeturning on a summer's
afternoon from a parochial walk, I inferred from wheel-tracks on my
carriage-drive that callers had been and gone. I expected to find
cards in the hall, and I saw that the horses had kindly left theirs
on the gravel. At that moment, one of those

" Grim spirits in the air,
Who grin to see us mortals grieve,
And dance at our despair,"

fiendishly suggested to my mind an economical desire to utilise the
souvenir before me. I looked around and listened ; no sight, no
sound, of humanity. I fetched the largest fire-shovel I could find,
and was carrying it bountifully laden through an archway cut in a
high hedge of yews, and towards a favourite tree of "Charles Lefebvre,"
when I suddenly confronted three ladies, who '' had sent round the
carriage, hearing that I should soon be at home, and were admiring
my beautiful Roses." It may be said, with the strictest regard to
veracity, that they saw nothing that day which they admired, in the
primary meaning of the word, so much as myself and fire-shovel ; and
I am equally sure that no Rose in my garden had a redder complexion
than my own.

And now, to be practical, what do I mean by farmyard manure —
when, and how, should it be used 1

By farmyard manure I mean all the manures of the straw-yard,
solid and fluid, horse, cow, pig, poultry, in conjunction. Let a heap
be made near the Rosarium, not suppressing the fumes of a natural
fermentation by an external covering, but forming underneath a
central drain, having lateral feeders, and at the lower end an external
tank, after the fashion of those huge dinner-dishes whose channels
carry to the "well" the rich gravies of the baron and the haunch
(here that fastidious reader collapses, and is removed in a state of
syncope), so that the rich extract, full of carbonate of ammonia, and
precious as attar, may not be wasted, but may be used either as liquid
manure in the Rosary, or pumped back again to baste the beef.

How long should it remain in the heap before it is fit for application
to the soil ? The degree of decomposition to which farmyard dung
should arrive before it can be deemed a profitable manure, must
depend on the texture of the soil, the nature of the plants, and the
time of its application."^ In general, clayey soils, more tenacious of

* See the article on Agriculture, ' Encyclopsedia Britannica,' vol. ii. p. 300.

1869.] THE ROSE. 7

moisture, and more benefited by being rendered incohesive and
porous, may receive manure less decomposed than more pulverised
soils require. Again, the season when manure is applied is also a
material circumstance. In spring and summer the object is to pro-
duce an immediate effect, and it should, therefore, be more completely
decomposed than may be necessary when it is laid on in autumn, for
a crop whose condition will be almost stationary for several months.
It was my custom for many years to apply a good covering of long
fresh manure to my Rose-trees towards the end of November, and to
dig it in about the end of March ; and I am still of opinion that for
Rose-trees on their own roots, especially the more tender varieties, such
as Teas and Bourbons, and for Roses on the Manetti Stock, this system
is advantageous. The straw acts as a protection from frost, and the
manure is gradually absorbed, to the enrichment of the soil and
nourishment of the roots. But I have since found, that as my Roses
are, for the most part, on the Brier (of which I am the faithful
admirer, despite recent condemnations from my learned brothers, of
which I shall speak more fully hereafter), and do not require such
protection, except when recently transplanted, I obtain a more
satisfactory result by digging in the manure, well-decomposed, at the
beginning of winter, and by giving a surface-dressing, when it seems
most required, in the spring.

This surface-dressing was communicated to me some years ago by
Mr Rivers, and it is by far the most effective which I have ever tried.
More recently he has published it, as follows : — " The most forcing
stimulant that can be given to Roses is a compost formed of horse-drop-
pings from the roads or stable," — (he says nothing about a fire-shovel) —
"and malt or kilndust, to be obtained from any malt-kiln, equal
quantities. This, well-mixed, should then be spread out in a bed, one-
foot thick, and thoroughly saturated with strong liquid manure, pour-
ing it over the compost gently for, say two days — so that it is gradu-
ally absorbed. The compost is then fit for a summer surface-dressing,
either for Roses in pots, in beds, or standard Roses. It should be
applied, say in April, and again in May and June, about an inch thick,
in a circle round the tree, from 12 to 18 inches in diameter. This com-
post is not adapted for mixing with the soil that is placed among the
roots, but is for a summer surface-dressing only ; and care must be
taken that it is not placed in a heap or ridge after it has been mixed,
for then fermentation is so violent that the smell becomes intolerable."

So powerful is this confection, that I have found one application
quite sufficient ; and this I apply, when the Rose-buds are formed and
swelling, towards the end of May, or, in a late season, the beginning
of June. I wait for the indications of rain, that the fertilising matter

8 THE GARDENER. [Jan.

may be at once washed down to the roots ; and it never fails to act
as quinine and Guinness to the weakly, and as generous wine to the
strong. During the extraordinary drought of last summer, I watched
day after day — nay, week after week — with a patience worthy of that
deaf old gentleman who would listen for two months to catch the
ticking of a sun-dial, or of him who undertook the tedious task of teach-
ing a weather-cock to crow ; and at last, feeling sure of my shower,
wheeled barrow after barrow with my own hands, not seeming to have
time to call for help, over the little bridge, and distributed it as a Lord
Mayor turtle to recipients more greedy than aldermen. Soon the big
rain came dancing to the earth, and when it had past, and I smoked
my evening weed among the Rose-trees, I fancied that already the
tonic had told. At all events, it is written in the chronicles of the
Rose-shows how those Roses sped.

If only one application of manure is considered to be expedient, I
would advise a liberal supply of farmyard dung well decomposed, and
that this should be dug in, or, still better (in the case of light soils
particularly), left upon the surface, after the Rose-trees are pruned in
March. If not dug in, I should myself be inclined to defer the fruition
of this powerful diet for a month or so ; that just as the lanky school-
boy, outgrowing his strength, is placed upon a regimen of boiled eggs
and roast beef, Alsopp and Bass, so the Rose-trees may have " good
support," these nursing -mothers of such beautiful babes, when they
require it most. "It is believed," writes Morton, "by observers of
nature, that plants do no injury to the soil while they are producing
their stems and leaves, but that it is only when the blossom and the
seed requires nourishment that the plants exhaust the soil."

Under no circumstances must manure be applied, externally or in-
ternally, when the ground is saturated with wet.

And now majora canamus ! Let us wash our faces, and part our
hair down the middle, and go in, with a bow and a curtsy, as little
children to dessert, among the great warriors and counsellors of Queen
Rose. Let us hear what our chief English Rosarians say (would that
my information included the teaching of those Rose-loving brothers
over the border, for whom, as for all true gardeners, I have so much
regard), on this, which I believe to be the most important topic which
will occur for our consideration.

Mr Rivers, whom I have just quoted, and to whom all will readily
give precedence, not only for " that good grey head, which all men
know," but for what he has done in the Rosarium, writes : — " I have
found night-soil, mixed with the drainings of the dunghill or even
with common ditch or pond water, so as to make a thick liquid, the
best possible manure for Roses, poured on the surface of the soil twice

1869.] THE ROSE. 9

in winter, from 1 to 2 gallons to eacli tree ; December and January-
are the best months : the soil need not be stirred till spring, and then
merely loosened 2 or 3 inches deep with the prongs of a fork. For
poor soils, and on lawns, previously removing the turf, this will be
found most efficacious. Brewers' grains also form an excellent surface-
dressing ; they should be laid in a heap two or three weeks to ferment,
and one or two large shovelfuls placed round each plant, with some
peat-charcoal to deodorise them, as the smell is not agreeable."

I will quote in alphabetical sequence the other distinguished public
Rosarians, who have expressed their opinions, or proved their skill at
all events, in the matter. These are Mr Cant of Colchester ; Mr
Cranston of Hereford ; Mr Francis of Hertford ; Mr Keynes of Salis-
bury; Mr Lane of Berkhampstead ; Mr Mitchell of Piltsdown ; Mr
George Paul, the representative of Messrs Paul & Son, Cheshunt ;
Mr William Paul, Waltham Cross ; Mr Perkins of Coventry (a new
but successful exhibitor) ; Mr Turner of Slough, and Messrs Wood of
Maresfield. There is, of course, a very large number of other nursery-
men, who grow Roses most extensively and in their fullest perfection —
such as Smith of Worcester, the two firms of Dickson at Chester,
Harrison of Darlington, Frettingham of Nottingham, &c. — one or more
near all our cities and towns ; but I have selected those who are our
principal prizemen, and whose treatises and catalogues are before
me.

Mr Cant says : — '' In planting Roses, a hole should be made about 18
inches deep, and large enough to contain half a wheelbarrowful of
compost ; two-thirds of this should be strong turfy loam, and one-
third well-decomposed animal manure. These should be thoroughly
mixed together."

Mr Cranston writes in his ' Cultural Directions for the Rose,' which
may be followed by amateurs with a sure confidence : — " I have found,
after repeated trials for some years, that pig-dung is the best of all
manures for Roses ; next night-soil, cow-dung, and horse-dung. These
should stand in a heap from one to three months, but not sufficiently
long to become exhausted of their ammonia and salts. Pig -dung
should be put on the ground during winter or early spring, and forked
in at once. In using night-soil, mix with burnt earth, sand, charcoal-
dust, or other dry substance. Apply a small portion of the mixture
to each plant or bed during winter, and let it be forked in at once.
Soot is a good manure, especially for the Tea-scented and other Roses
on their own roots ; so are wood-ashes and charcoal. Bone-dust or
half-inch bones forms an excellent and most lasting manure. Guano
and superphosphate of lime are both good manure for Roses, but
require to be used cautiously."

10 THE GARDENER. [Jan.

!Mr Keynes of Salisbury recommends " a good wlieelbarrowful of
compost — two-thirds good turfy loam, and one-third well-decomposed
animal manure." He adds, and the words of one whose Roses, in a
favourable season, cannot be surpassed in size or colour, should be
remembered practically, "It is difficult to give the Rose too good a
soil."

Messrs Lane of Berkhampstead write thus : " The best method of
manuring beds is to dig in a good dressing of stable or other similar
manure, this being the most safe from injuring vegetation in any soil,
and it never does more good to Roses than when it is used as a surface-
dressing. When placed, about 2 inches deep, over the surface in
^larch, the ground seldom suffers from drought, but this is, perhaps,
by some considered unsightly."

Mr George Paul, "the hero of a hundred fights," advises that "in
l^lanting the ground should be deeply trenched, and well-rotted
manure be plentifully added. If the soil be old garden-soil, add
good loam, rich and yellow ; choose a dry day for the operation,
and leave the surface loose. Stake all Standards, and mulch with
litter, to protect the roots from frost." Well does this young champion
sustain the ancient honours of his house, having achieved no less than
forty-four first prizes at our principal exhibitions in the summer of
1868.

Mr William Paul, in his interesting work, ' The Rose-Garden,' of
w^hich a modernised edition would be very acceptable in the world of
Roses, gives, in the introduction, his results of his experiments with
manure. "In the summer of 1842," he writes, "six beds of Tea-scented
Roses were manured with the following substances : 1, bone-dust ; 2,
burnt earth ; 3, nitrate of soda ; 4, guano ; 5, pigeon-dung ; 6, stable
manure, thoroughly decomposed. The soil in which they grew was an
alluvial loam. The guano produced the earliest visible effects, causing a
vigorous growth, which continued till late in the season ; the foKage
was large and of the darkest green, but the flowers on this bed were not
very abundant. The shoots did not ripen well, and were consequently
much injured by frost during the succeeding winter. The bed manured
with burnt earth next forced itself into notice ; the plants kept up a
steadier rate of growth, producing an abundance of clear, w^ell-formed
blossoms j the wood ripened well, and sustained little or no injury
from the winter's frost. The results attendant on the use of the
other manures were not remarkable ; they had acted as gentle stimu-
lants, the nitrate of soda and bones least visibly so, although they were
applied in the quantities usually recommended by the vendors. . . .
I think burned and charred earth the best manure that can be applied
to wet or adhesive soils."

1869.] CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS. 11

Mr Turner of Slougli does not show Ms cards, but when he comes
to play them on the green cloth or baize of the exhibition-table, no
man deals more honourably, knows the game more thoroughly, holds
more trump cards, or scores the honours more frequently.

Messrs Wood of IMaresfield, perhaps the largest growers of the Rose
in the world, commend a mixture of well-seasoned animal manure, with
the top-spit of an old pasture, deep trenching, thorough draining, and
a free use of the pruning-knife the first year after planting.

Concluding this long chapter, I would earnestly assure the novice in
Rose-growing that there is only one exception (and that in Egypt) to
the rule, " Ex nihilo nihil fit." If he really means to make the Rose
his hobby, and to enjoy the ride, he must feed him liberally and regu-
larly with old oats and beans. The Rose cannot be grown in its glory
without frequent and rich manure ; and again I recommend that the
best farmyard dung be dug in towards the end of November, if the
ground is dry, and that the surface-dressing, prescribed by Dr Rivers,
be administered in May or June. And if neighbours, w^ho are not true
lovers of the Rose, expostulate, and condemn the waste, quote for
their edification those true words of Victor Hugo in ' Les Miserables,'
" the heautifid is as useful as tJie useful, jperhaps more so.'^

AVe have found our situation, we have prepared our soils : we will
speak next of the arrangement of the Rosary, and then of the Rose
itself. S. Reynolds Hole.

THE CULTIVATIOlSr OF HARDY FRUITS.

INTEODUCTION.

To whatever department of the economy of nature we turn our
attention, having for our object the study of the various means by
which we may obtain a desired end, there are difficulties to be over-
come, barriers to be surmounted, and mysteries to be solved, of which
none save those who have manfully tried can form an approximate
idea. In a climate such as Britain, these difficulties are even greater
than in many other portions of our globe, and to master these has
been the aim and end of long lives by many of those to whom we
look as the pioneers and princes of horticulture. Our seasons are so
changeable, our climate so variable, the soil of so many qualities,
consistencies, and component parts, that unless the cultivator brings to
bear upon his oi3erations the utmost amount of wisdom, skill, and
practical ability, no good results can ever be anticipated. A man

12 THE GARDENER. [Jan.

may be placed in a situation where lie may obtain tolerable results,
and be looked upon as "a good average gardener." In the course of
time he is placed in another situation not far distant, and the result is
very different-— everything goes wrong, nothing goes right. For the
first year or two he lays the entire blame upon his unfortunate prede-
cessor; but when the tale will no longer " tell" in that way, he blames
every one and everything, never for one moment dreaming that prob-
ably the greater part of the whole matter rests with himself. Let
him, however, apply himself with perseverance and assiduity to con-
sider all the differences that exist between the two places he has
filled, and the more he understands this and acts accordingly, the
more will be the success he shall acquire. Nature is stubborn, and
Avill have her own way if rebelled against ; but let her be " coaxed "
and humoured, and she is as docile and gentle as a lamb. The
world was made for man, not man for the world ; sin, however,
abrogated and disannulled the whole of this, and now we stand in
quite different relations the one to the other. The soil refuses to
yield her crops without labour, toil, and trouble, and man is using the
plough and spade in order to conquer and subdue her. How different,
however, is this from national warfare, and nation conquering nation !
The one is honourable and elevating, the other dishonouring and
degrading to society, both in its social and national relations : the
latter is generally — conquered once, conquered for ever ; while the other
is — conquer once, you must still be conquering, or in turn the van-
quished will again become the vanquisher. To those who put their
hands to the practice of horticulture, I would say, let their motto be
" Excelsior ;" be not content with the advantage gained to-day, but be
ready on the morrow still to go forward, "conquering and to conquer. "
Let no false dreams of acquired popularity or practical reputation lull
you to sleep, but study, strive, attempt, and accomplish, and your
reward will be great.

We who form the present generation of gardeners have many ad-
vantages over our fathers of the past and former generations. Besides
all our own experience, we also have the whole of theirs, by which we
are enabled to accomplish greater things, and it may be with much
less trouble, than they did. We therefore have no claim to all the
glory of our accomplishments, but should rather revere and hallow their
memories, giving to them their due share of honour for the great
strides and achievements of modern horticulture.

I purpose, in a few papers, to lay before the readers of the ' Gardener '
a concise practical and theoretical account of the propagation, culture,
and management of the leading hardy fruits cultivated in Britain ; and
first of all I would treat of the

1869.] CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS. 13

PEAR,

wliicli should be propagated either by budding or grafting upon the
Wild Pear stock, Pyrus communis, or any of the varieties used for
perry, as well as the Quince stock. It is not uncommon to raise
several of the English or common varieties by suckers and layers ;
these, however, often prove very gross and rank growers, not over
productive, and never of high quality. Inarching has also been
recommended ; but the best, the easiest, and the most successful
method is by grafting, of which I will give a detailed account by-
and-by. The raising of new varieties is invariably accompKshed
through the medium of seedlings. Much care and judgment are
requisite in order to obtain success in this department of horticul-
ture. No doubt it is quite possible to obtain good and new varieties
by simply saving seeds from a good stock, but it will be more chance
than anything else if such is the result. He who wishes to succeed
ought to select parents of the following good qualities, viz. : let one
parent be a hsudy, robustly-constitutioned, free-growing variety, and
this I would recommend as the female ; the other should have all, or
as many of the good qualities — such as size, shape, flavour, and ap-
pearance— as it is possible to obtain in one kind. This important
point settled, much care and watchfulness will be necessary to obtain
blooms on both parents at the exact stage for operating upon. The
female parent will require even more watching and care than the male,
for there is the danger of self-fertilisation — fertilisation from others
than the kind required, either by having the pollen carried upon the
air, or upon the legs or proboscis of insects. To obviate the former
of these risks, it will be necessary, as recommended by Mr Isaac
Anderson — see Lindley's 'Theory of Horticulture,' page 491 — "to
divest the blooms to be operated on, not only of their anthers, but also
of their corollas." And this I would recommend to be done oiihj
with very sharp scissors, used with much care, so as not to injure
the pistil. To guard against the latter contingency, the best plan v/ill
be to remove all the blooms, save those wanted for the operation, from
the branch or branches, to such an extent as will be covered by a hand-
light ; these having been removed, watch with care until the pollen is
beginning to ripen upon the male, and the female gives signs of sus-
ceptibility; then place a handlight over the female, filling up every
crevice by the easiest means at command, so as to exclude the possible
entrance of any insect. As soon as the flowers show signs of being
ready, remove the light, and impregnate with a camel-hair pencil ; after
which, replace the glass, and remove it not until all danger of impreg-
nation from exterior sources is over. It may be necessary also to

14 THE GARDENER. [Jan.

shade from the direct rays of the sun, as the confined air within the
handlight may get over-heated, and burn flowers, leaves, and all. In
place, however, of covering over the light, let a mat be placed in such
a position as to keep off the sun, without retarding the light, which
may be done in the following manner : Nail a mat, say, 2 feet above
the light, and let it be extended, at an angle of 45°, to two stakes,
placed 5 feet out in the border, which will answer admirably the end
in view. This operation finished, the operator has years of anxiety
before him ere the fruits of his labours will prove themselves good or
bad. Notwithstanding, he will watch every stage from the present
time till then as a faithful mother would her tender offspring. If,
through the course of growth, any of these fruits should appear de-
formed in any way, remove them, as in all probability the seeds may
not prove so good as those of their larger or better brethren. And
further, I would recommend every one of them to receive support
from the time they take their last swelling until they arrive at
maturity, as I find from experience that all fruits, no matter of
what sorts, swell from one-fourth to one-half larger when supported
than if left to hang from the branch ; and I am further convinced
that the seeds also must share in the benefit, and consequently give
stronger and healthier seedlings.

The fruit being ripe and gathered, remove the seeds with care.
Various ways and times for sowing have been recommended, and each
and all, I believe, has been followed with less or more success. Some
have recommended the placing of the seeds in a j^hial amongst sand
for one or two months, afterwards taking them out into paper and
allowing them to remain there till the following autumn, when they
should be sown — M. de Jonghe giving as his reason for this course
that, " after remaining in this situation, . . . the skins of the
seeds wdll acquire a consistence, and the kernel a firmness, that will
enable it to vegetate with greater vigour when committed to the soil"
By this means, however, a year is lost, and a considerable amount of
labour also, compared to the mode practised by that eminent pomolo-
nist, Mr Rivers, and with what success it is not necessary for me to
say. His method will be found in extenso in the ' Journal of the
Horticultural Society,' vol ix. beginning at page 292 : I will, however,
give the substance of it here. When the Pear-eating season begins
he prepares 9-inch pots, filling them with two-thirds of loam to one-
third of rotten manure, with a little sand ; these are placed upon tiles,
away in an open space not likely to be the haunt of slugs. The Pear
with the desired seed being ready for use, he eats it, removes the pips
one by one, and presses them down about an inch into the pot.
Thereafter he writes a label bearing the parent names and date of

1869.] CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS. 15

sowing, covers the pot with a slate to exclude vermin, and the
operation is finished. Fifteen pips lie considers sufficient for a
9-inch pot. In this way he proceeds until the pots for receiv-
ing the seed out of doors become frozen, when he has a few in
the greenhouse for a like purpose, which he continues to sow in
whenever the fruit is ripe. He has no particular season for sowing,
but does so from October till May or June, as the case may be ; but
those seeds sown after March seldom vegetate till the following year.
As soon as the seedlings appear on the surface of the soil he removes
the slates from the top of the pot. Seedlings thus sown may remain
in the pots for the season, when they ought to be planted out into
rows, say 2 feet apart, as soon as they are ripe in the wood, which
ought to be about the beginning of October. The course to be
followed with regard to pruning is similar to that of a young tree of
any sort, details for which shall follow hereafter. In all probability
it will be five or six years before these will bear fruit. A year or two
may be saved by removing a scion, if strong enough, the first year,
and grafting it upon a stock of some age. Mr Rivers recommends
them to be rind-grafted " upon old dwarf Pears without names, which
may be bought at a cheap rate from the nursery."

Having thus treated of the raising of seedlings, I now come to
speak of the stocks which are in use for grafting, which I have
already named. The nature of the soil and climate has much to do
with the stock which ought to be used. M. Du Breuil, in his
extensive experiments with the chalky soils about Rouen, found that
the Wild Pear suited best for grafting, and that the Quince was almost
or altogether useless. Dr Lindley has said that for light and loamy
soils the Quince was best, but for chalky soils the Wild Pear. I am
further of opinion that in wet cold localities, such as we have in the
west of Scotland, the Quince, although shorter-lived, is the best stock
for the Pear as a standard, or I should rather say for pyramids. I
have invariably noticed in such localities as I have indicated that
standard Pears, when grafted upon the Wild Pear, in the course of time
permeated the soil to such a depth that the roots got imbedded into
the cold wet subsoil to such an extent that the result was canker,
the dwarfing and cracking of the fruit, and latterly partial or entire
failure of crops. By using the Quince many of these things are
obviated. It not being of such a rank habit of growth as a stock, the
roots run and keep more on the surface, and therefore are not nearly
so liable to canker and decay. And further, these bear fruit much
earlier, are earlier ripe in the season, and the tree is handsomer and
more ornamental. The fruit, no doubt, is scarcely so large, but what
it wants in this is made up by flavour, colour, and appearance. The

16 THE GARDENER. [Jan.

Quince of Portugal is the best variety for a stock, as it is the strongest
and most robust of the family. The easiest and perhaps the best
method to obtain stocks of the Quince is to layer the young shoots in
winter, and allow no more than one bud to appear out of the soil.
In all probability this bud will form a shoot about 3 feet the first
season, which ought to be cut down in winter to about 6 inches, having
one or two inches more removed before the graft is inserted. It is
advisable to have as little of this stock above the ground as possible ;
and the reason for this is, that the Pear being of quicker growth than
the Quince, in the course of a few years the scion would be much
thicker than the stock, which, besides being unsightly, might be liable
to be broken over by a storm. By having the union as near the soil
as possible, both of these contingencies are guarded against. Al-
though it has been said that this stock is short-lived if used for the
Pear, yet nevertheless it is not so much so as most people are led
to believe, if care and skill are exercised in the management of the
trees. Mr R. Thompson in his admirable work, ' The Gardener's
Assistant,' says, "It has been said that the Pear on the Quince stock
is short-lived. It cannot, of course, be expected to live so long as when
worked upon the Pear stock, a more natural condition ; yet we can
point out trees on Quince stocks that have existed forty years and are
yet vigorous, exhibiting no symptoms of decay." Here is evidence
enough that trees upon the Quince have lived, thriven, and still con-
tinue to do so, for as long as any reasonable man can expect.

Where the Pear is intended to be grafted upon the wild or perry
Pears, the seeds ought to be sown in a piece of good rich garden-soil in
rows about 18 inches apart. As soon as the seedlings have arrived at
the height of 3 or 4 inches, it will be necessary to thin them out to
about 9 inches from plant to plant, those left being as near a size as
possible. Transplanting those taken up, they may be planted about
the same distance from each other, and have a thorough watering to
settle the soil about them, as well as good waterings whenever the
weather is very dry. "When the seedlings are about a year and a
half old — that is to say, about the end of October of the year after
sowing — they ought to be transplanted into well-prepared rich soil,
where they ought to get as much room as possible, say 4 feet between
the rows and 2 feet in the rows, and let the rows, if possible, run north
and south, so as to receive the maximum benefit from the heat of the
sun. Those seedlings which were transplanted when a few inches high,
will probably neither be so strong nor so good as those which were
allowed to remain where sown ; therefore they will in all probability
require to be cut back in proportion to their strength — that is to say,
weak ones furthest, stronger ones not so much. If, however, they are

1869.] CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS. 17

as good and strong as the others probably will be which remained in the
seed-rows, it will be quite unnecessary to cut them, as they w^ill make
more roots, and consequently be stronger stocks than if cut. After
another year's growth these should again be transplanted as before, but
still not cut unless where the side-shoots may be pinched if long straight
stems are wanted for grafting standards upon. After a year's growth
here, they will be ready for grafting, and ought not to be transplanted,
as, by leaving them thus the year before grafting, they will have more
root-energy to support the scion than if they were struggling to over-
come the check consequent upon transplantation. Let a tree or plant
be removed with as much care as possible, it still receives a considerable
check, and it takes at the very least one year's good treatment to en-
able it to recover itself ; so that a young stock to be operated upon, if
removed the year of grafting, would not be in nearly such good condi-
tion for receiving and nourishing a scion as if it w^ere fully established
and in a vigorous condition, for the check sustained by being headed
over is of itself sufficient without receiving the double blow all at once.
Any time from the middle of November to the middle or end of Janu-
ary— but December is probably the best time — the stocks to be grafted
upon ought to be cut back to within 4 or 6 inches of the place where
the graft is intended to be placed. This will depend entirely upon
what use the future tree is intended for. If as a standard for either
open garden or wall, the height of cutting ought to vary from 3 to 6
feet. The general height for standards is about 3 feet when grafted,
so that if cut at 3 feet now, and 6 inches removed when the graft is
inserted, the height of the grafted tree will be about 3 feet. Standards
for walls — or riders, as they are commonly called — are from 5 to 6 feet
stem, and consequently will require a year or two longer before being
ready for grafting, but will, when ready, require to be cut over about the
desired length and at the usual time, and have 4 or 6 inches more removed
when grafting season comes. Those intended for grafting as dwarfs for
the open garden ought to be cut at about 15 inches from the ground,
while those intended for the walls ought to be cut back to about 10 or 12
inches, reducing them the same as the others at the grafting season. It
is better to have for a dwarf standard at least 1 foot of clean stem, as, if
any shorter, the certainty is that in the course of a few years the under
branches will cumber the soil, to the total or partial expulsion of hoe and
spade, a state of matters very teasing to the gardener. In the matter,
however, of wall-trees, the case is different, as we want the under branches
of the trees within about 1 foot or 15 inches of the soil ; consequently we
must have a stem not more than 10 inches in height, so as to be able to
get the under branches at the proper place. James M'Millan.

{To be continued.)
B

18 THE GARDENER. [Jan.

FRUIT-CULTURE.

{Continued from ^mge 382 0/ 1868.)
THE VINE.

There is perliaps no plant the culture of which occupies so much of
the attention of horticultural writers as the Vine. The soil in which
it grows, the air in which it breathes, the system of training that
should be adopted, whether its roots should have artificial heat or not,
and many other questions connected with its culture, are discussed
from week to week in all the horticultural periodicals of the day ; and,
in the face of all this, there are those who doubt if any real progress
is being made after all. Our own opinion is, that while as good, and
probably better, Grapes Avere grown twenty-five years ago in isolated
cases, good Grape-growing is much more common now than then ; but
that much has yet to be learned, every one who, like ourselves, visits
many of the "odd corners" of the country, will be ready to admit.
The extent to which Grape-culture has attained amongst amateurs who
do not keep regular gardeners exceeds belief ; and we are bound to
state, as the result of our own observation, that their success will bear
a very fair comparison with that of those possessing more practical
skill.

In the papers we hope to give on the subject of Vine-culture, we
shall confine ourselves to what we think likely to have practical
value, and leave v-hat is merely speculative to others. Our ojDinion
is, that the day is not distant when Britain will export Grapes largely
to Paris, Vienna, Berlin, St Petersburg, and other important cities on
the continent of Europe, as well as America. This, we know, takes
place to some extent already, but not to a thousandth part the extent
it might do if proper arrangements were entered into for creating a
demand by the extent and cheapness of the supply. In some of the
fine dry loamy fields of the Lothians, within a mile of where we write,
where coal and all needful appliances can be had cheap and near a
station, where express trains can be had daily to all parts of Britain,
excellent Grapes could be supplied by the ton, at such prices as would
insure a rapid market for them both at home and abroad, from the
beginning of December to the end of March, and leave a good profit
on capital invested.

Before we close these papers, M^e may perhaps direct special atten-
tion to this aspect of Vine cultivation.

To facilitate reference, we shall treat the subject under its several
heads, and commence with

:S6g.]

FRUIT-CULTURE.

i^

THE VINERY.

While Grapes may be grown in any glass structure, there are certain
forms most suitable for producing given results ; and if one of these is

Fig. 1.

early Grapes, by which we mean Grapes ripe in March, April, and

20

THE GARDENER.

[Jan.

May, there is no form so suitable as the lean-to, with a due southern
aspect. It should be as light as possible — that is, the astragals and
rafters should be relatively narrow, and the squares of glass Avide, so
as to admit as much of the genial influence of the sun during the
dark days of winter as possible. It is a question simply of conveni-
ence what the size of the vinery may be.

Fig. 1 gives the size and shape of one of the early vineries here ;
and had we built them, we would have made them both wider and
loftier — not less than 15 feet wide, with a front sash of 2 feet, and
the back wall 15 feet high — as we consider a large house relatively
easier kept to a given temperature than a small one, while the
same labour, in every respect, is incurred in connection with the
latter as with the former, except in the thinning of the Grapes and a
few other trifling matters, while the produce is much greater, nor is
there much diff*erence in the original cost; therefore we urge that
vineries should be made a good size.

The wires to which the Vines are to be tied should not be nearer
the glass than 1 6 inches, so that a current of air may pass between the
foliage and the glass in hot weather. The leaves should never come
into actual contact with the glass ; for if they do, radiation from the
glass during a clear cold night will freeze them, and cause them to
turn yellow. There should be not less than four rows of 4-inch
pipe round the front and ends of an early vinery. In addition, we
recommend a steaming-tray over one of the pipes, to receive its
supply of hot water from the flow-pipe, and em.pty itself into the
return-pipe, as shown in fig. 2. This tray gives moisture to the air

Fig 2.

STEAMING-TRAV.

The water ascends into the tray from the flow-pipe at A, passes along to C, which may be 60
feet from A, and descends into the return-pipe at D.

of the vinery in the exact ratio that the pipes give heat ; for the hotter
they become, the hotter the water in the tray becomes, and, consequently,
it gives off" more steam at the time when the hot pipes have a tendency
to render it necessary. The difficulty of ventilating a vinery during
severe weather in winter is well known to early forcers, and in order to
meet this we have adopted the following method, shown in fig. 3 : We

1869.] FRUIT-CULTURE. 21

placed a slieath of thin copper over a row of the front pipes, this
sheath we connected with the external air by means of a pipe of the
same material, 5 inches in diameter ; the cold air presses in through
this pipe into the sheath round the hot pipes, where it gets heated at
once, and passes rapidly out of the upper side of the sheath, where it
is pierced full of holes ; this air escapes immediately under the steam-
ing-tray, and being hot and dry, it absorbs what it requires of the
moisture rising from the tray, and comes in contact with the leaves
just in that state as to heat and moisture most conducive to their
wellbeing. The wet-weather ventilators are kept open about an inch

^ Fig. 3.

HOT-AIR VENTILATOR.

in the dullest weather, and even during the night, to let the hot ex-
hausted air escape; so that a constant change of air goes on even
during the severest frost — a matter of no small importance if the
foliage is to be kept in health and good flavour, and colour given to
the fruit.

So much for the vinery. We now come to consider

THE BORDER.

In some parts of the country, including that from which we write,
the soil of any ordinary field used for agricultural purposes, if brought
together to the depth of 2 feet, would grow good average crops of
Grapes if a fair portion of ordinary farmyard manure were added
to it, as we hope to show when we come to treat of " Grape-growing
for the Million." Meantime we advise that where possible a friable
calcareous loam from an old pasture should be procured — taken not
more than 3 inches deep from the surface — and stacked for six months.
This soil broken up, while dry, by means of a spade or fork, and mixed
with half a cwt. of ground bones to the cart-load as a permanent manure,
some charred earth or wood, including wood-ashes, one cart to ten of old
lime- rubbish, and the same proportion of rather fresh horse-droppings,
will form a first-rate border for Vines to grow and fruit in. If the
locality is wet, and the loam on the verge of being what is designated
clayey, let the proportion of lime-rubbish and charred clay or earth be

22 THE GARDENER. [Jan.

in excess of the proportions given. This compost should never be
touched except when dry, and specially it should not be wheeled in
to form the border, unless in dry, and, if possible, frosty weather.

We have come to the conclusion that it would be well if all Vine-
borders could be formed above the surface-level of the surrounding
ground. If this could be done, we should hear less of sour soil,
rotten roots, and shanked Grapes. As we are treating specially, at
this time, of early forcing, we must come to the vexed question of
bottom-heat or no bottom-heat ; and we throw in our lot with those
who are the advocates of bottom-heat for Vine-roots when forced early,
who certainly have common sense on their side ; and we advise its
apiDlication from beneath the border, and not from the surface, as
some are doing at the present day, believing, as we do, that its applica-
tion to the surface of the border will prove of little or no practical value.
Recent writers have given dismal pictures of the roasting of the
roots of the Vine over or in hot chambers heated to some imaginary
temperature ; and no doubt it would be possible to injure the roots
of Vines by such appliances as hot-water pipes in chambers under
them. This is one thing ; the necessity for doing so is quite another.
We started an early vinery on the first of last month. An under-
ground thermometer showed the temperature of the border to be 42°
at a depth of 18 inches; we applied a very slow fire to the boiler,
that heats four rows of 4-inch pipe, buried under a stratum of
brickbats and drain-tiles of various sizes, and radiating in all directions
from the hot pipes. In six days the temperature rose to 60° when
the surface of the border was covered with dry leaves ; on the outside
border these leaves were thatched with straw to throw off the rain,
and they will keep the heat from radiating from the surface of the
border. The water was then shut off from the bottom pipes — nor will
it be applied again above once for the same period till the Grapes are
ripe ; yet by this gentle and short application of it, which cannot
possibly injure the roots of the Vine, the temperature of the soil is
raised to something like the temperature of the earth at the season
when the Vine would, in its native country, be in a state of active
growth. If applied in the way and to the extent here described,
whether under rubble, as we have it here, or under stone pavement, as
shown in the woodcut, nothing but benefit to the Vine can be the
result. If the constant firing of the bottom-heat pipes be persisted in
during the greater part of the forcing season, that evil consequences
wiU be the result is every way probable ; but there is no necessity for
it, especially if the surface of the border be covered with leaves as
described, so as to prevent radiation. W. Thomson.

{To be continued.)

1869.] HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 23

, NOTES OIT HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS.

LOBELIA.

This subject, it may be observed, is barely consistent with, the title of
these Notes. Only a very limited number of known species of Lobelia
may strictly be termed hardy ; but it is necessary once for all to state
that the writer, in pursuance of the object of these papers, will bring
under the notice of the readers of the ' Gardener ' all such plants as he
can recommend as available and proper for the adornment of the mixed
border, rock work, and other similar uses, whether, as in the case of
Lobelia, they require protection more or less in winter, or are quite
hardy. '

Lobelia is rather an extensive family, composed of a few annual and
biennial, and a large number of perennial herbaceous, and a few ever-
green sutfruticose species. It is liberally distributed over many of the
warmer parts of the globe, but in Europe and Northern Asia repre-
sentatives are few and rare. Britain is favom^ed with two species, L.
urens and L. Dortmanna; the former a very rare plant, having hitherto
been found in one locality only — in Devon, near Axminster ; and the
other, being aquatic, and found in only a few of the lakes in the three
great divisions of the Kingdom, may be regarded as a merely local
plant in this country. The reputation of the genus for ornamental
purposes is deservedly very high ; there is indeed little contained in it
that may be condemned as weedy or uninteresting, while of many
species and varieties it may be correctly said they are unsurpassed for
brilliancy of colouring and adaptability to every style of flower-garden-
ing, whether rustic or refined, ribbon or panel, masses of one colour or
mixtures of many colours, on any scale, small or great, from the humble
patch in the cottager's mixed bed or border, to the thousands that
adorn the gardens of the rich and luxurious. But until very recently
little has been heard and less seen of Lobelias in this country, except
in so far as the justly popular L. erinus and its several excellent
varieties, or the pretty annual L. gracilis or campanulata, have brought
them into view. It is refreshing, however, to observe that the tide of
popular favour is now fairly setting in the direction of the old-
fashioned and long-neglected tall herbaceous species, whose striking
aspect and sparkling colours are unfamiliar to the majority of young
gardeners, but will be pleasingly remembered, either as pot or border
plants, by those who can carry their memories back for twenty-fi.ve or
thirty years. L. cardinalis, with scarlet flowers, and L. syphylitica,
with light-blue or purple flowers, are both very old inhabitants of British
gardens, and both are from North America. L. fulgens and L. splendens,

24 THE GARDENER. [Jan.

"both from Mexico, are more recent introductions, with scarlet flowers and
dark- coloured foliage, but are less hardy in constitution than the two
first-named species. Then came the purple speciosa, a hybrid of Scotch
origin between syphylitica and cardinalis. L. ignea, more recent
than either of the foregoing, Avas brought out as a species, but
has little if any specific character about it ; it is very near L.
fulgens in appearance, and would pass very well as a variety of
that species, with rather weak straggling habit, but most brilliant
scarlet flowers and intense dark foliage. L. fulgens v. St Clair
is a comparatively recent variety, of excellent merits, upright and
stately in growth ; the leaves are rendered somewhat hoary by numer-
ous whitish hairs that are thickly studded over the dark surface, and
the flowers are brilliant scarlet in dense spikes. L. syphylitica v.
alba is a beautiful sort, but rare and difficult to keep, which has
been occasionally seen, but always limited, and in the hands of only
one grower here and there in the country. Occasionally, too, was
seen in the past a dwarf variety of L. cardinalis, named nana, of the
same colour as the species. But the foregoing list contains the sum
of the colours to be found in this section of Lobelia till within three
or four years ago, wdien the species, yielding to hybridisation under
the hands of Messrs Bull of Chelsea and Henderson of St John's
Wood, are now giving us numerous progeny, with colours previously
unheard of among tall Lobelias. There are carmine, cerise, claret,
magenta, pink, ruby, with many shades of purple and scarlet and
crimson, while these are varied still more in certain varieties with
white. There is also in some sorts an increase in the size of the
individual flowers, and there is greater variety in habit. Some varie-
ties are dwarf and diffuse, others tall and strict ; and in this respect
there will soon, perhaps, be such diversity of character as will render
Lobelias of this section adaptable to very general use in bedding-out.
But there are other tall herbaceous Lobelias worth having, both on
account of their own intrinsic merits, and the probable good results
that would accrue from infusing their blood with that of species and
varieties already in our possession. L. coelestis, about 2 or 3 feet
high, with clear azure-blue flowers, from N. America ; L. amcena, about
3 feet high, with L. Kalmii, a foot and a half high, both blue-flowered,
and from JST. America ; and L. verbascifolia, a large-growing tomentose-
leaved sort with red flowers, from Nepal, are species of considerable
beauty. Our own indigenous L. urens is no mean plant under good
cultivation, and might' if crossed with the showier sorts, introduce a
hardier race. L. Dortmanna is indispensable where ponds, lakes, or slug-
gish streams must be furnished with select or choice vegetation; its pale-
blue flowers drooping in slender racemes on the surface of the water,

1869.] HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 25

are very pleasing. As subjects for the mixed border, nothing can sur-
pass these tall perennial Lobelias; and it is astonishing that the species
and the older varieties should ever have been allowed to fall into disuse
for that purpose, for under good cultivation they are striking, bold, and
handsome. Their cultivation is a very simple matter. From the
combined influences of cold and wet the soft succulent underground
stems are liable to perish in ^vinter if left out of doors where they
grow, unprotected ; protection of some sort is therefore necessary.
Some leave them where they made their growth till spring, protecting
them with a mound of coal-ashes or any other available protecting
materials ; others lift them as soon as flowering is finished, and stow
them away in coal-ashes or dry sand in sheds, under stages of cool
plant-houses or in cold frames ; and a friend of the A\T:iter, who was
very successful in the cultivation of Lobelias, kept his roots in tubs
of water under cover to prevent freezing ; but the water, on account of
its liability to become putrid, required frequent renewal, a circum-
stance, doubtless, that prevented my friend from making converts to
this pickle-tub method. My own experience is in favour of lifting
the roots in autumn imm^ediately after flowering is finished, dividing
them, and potting the offsets singly in the smallest pots they can be
got into, afterwards plunging the pots to the rims in coal-ashes in a
cold frame. Liberal airing in favourable weather and protection
during frost is all that they will need of attention and labour till the
early months of spring. To do them thoroughly well, they must have
an early start, and for this purpose a hot-bed, in which a temperature
ranging from 60° to 65° can be kept up, should be in readiness to
receive them by the second week in February. Examine and trim
the plants, and transfer them to the hot-bed, not plunging them, but
merely setting them on a bed of ashes. They will soon begin to grow,
and will require shifting and constant attention to watering, but as
yet very carefully. Continue to shift as required by the progress they
make up till the end of April, when they should get their final shift
and be transferred to a cold frame, kept close till they are inured to
it, and afterwards carefully hardened off for planting out in the end
of May. They are not particular as to kind of soil, but are very
much so as to the quality. Loam and peat and well-decayed stable
manure in nearly equal parts, and abundance of grit of some sort to
keep it open and porous, is a compost in which these Lobelias delight
in pots, and the beds or borders that they are designed to occupy out
of doors cannot possibly be made too rich for them. They are very
impatient of drought when making their growth, and will absorb
almost any quantity of water ; it should not therefore be spared.

W. S.

26 THE GARDENER. [Jan.

THE KITCHElSr-GAIlDElSr.

No. I.

It may possibly appear to some a work of supererogation to "-ATite a
systematic series of articles on kitclien-gardening at this advanced
period in the history of horticulture. And while confessing that, if
the choice of a subject rested entirely with the writer, vegetable culture
would not be his theme on the present occasion — more especially as it
is one which to some extent he has attempted to discuss some years
ago in the ' Scottish Gardener,' and with which effort some of his readers
may be already acquainted — he would much prefer a sort of roving
commission for his pen, than to be tied down to what many may, no
doubt, look upon as a sober set of subjects — Cabbages, Onions, and
Cauliflowers. This is not said, however, under the slightest impres-
sion that the kitchen-garden is an unimportant department ; far from it.
And if any who have carefully watched the course of gardening litera-
ture for the last quarter of a century, and perhaps particularly of the
present time, were called upon to say which of the various branches of
gardening has attracted the least share of the attention of those
who devote their spare moments to gardening literature, the vegetable
department could scarcely fail to be fixed upon. All the outs and ins
connected with the cultivation of flowering and exotic plants, the pro-
j)agation and arrangement of bedding plants, and of all sorts of
florists' flowers ; the cultivation of Pines, Grapes, and Peaches, and
other tender and hardy fruits — have been discussed and written about
until they are freely talked of as threadbare subjects. Amongst these
various subjects some have found hobbies to canter on till they are
out of wind, and have been compared to Tarn o' Shanter's mare, having
" fient a tail to shake at alL" There are Rose men, Orchid men, Cam-
ellia men, flower-garden men, orchard-house men, and ground-vinery
men, and men of all sorts ; but where shall we look for an Onion, or a
Cabbage, or Cauliflower man 1

There is no fault to be found with all this devotedness and enthu-
siasm in all or any of these branches. Enthusiasm has done much,
nearly all, for practical gardening. Enthusiasts are the men for dis-
covery and dash, as well as unflagging perseverance. They are the Dr
Livingstones of horticulture, and could ill be spared by the growing
hosts who follow in their footsteps ; and perhaps the gardening press
would miss them most of all. In fact, if we are to have a press at all,
these are indispensable men, and so are their subjects. This, however,
is no reason why the vegetable department should be slighted, or
treated with the cold shoulder. It cannot be that the kitchen-garden
can fairly be considered either the least important or the easiest to

1869.] THE KITCHEN-GARDEN. 27

manage or learn. It takes in a far wider rangfe of society than any
oth^r department. Neither the jDrince nor tbe peasant can neglect it
with impunity. Most gardeners find the kitchen their most ticklish
latitude, one from which demands ever come with the most relentless
steadiness, which cannot be shirked on any pretence. And he who can
satisfy these demands every day in the 3^ear, has reason to congratulate
himself on being up to the mark, in a department through which as
much trouble is as likely to arise as any other with which he has
to do.

Perhaps there has been less real progress in kitchen-gardening
within the last twenty-five years than in fruit or plant culture.
Certain it is that what are now termed the " old-school men " were
not behind the generation which is following them in substantial
kitchen-gardening, while it would be difficult to say so much of them
in some other departments. I do not know whether my experience
corresponds with that of other gardeners who have passed a good
many young gardeners — so to speak — through their hands, but I find
the majority cj[uite as deficient in this department as in any other,
or even more so. There are plenty of worthy young nien who, v>ere
they called upon to grow a few genera of plants in pots, or to get up a
few thousand bedding plants, would do so with credit to themselves.
But call upon them to serve the kitchen, or subdivide a few acres of
a kitchen-garden into allotment for the proper proportion of the
different vegetables, and crop these with a proper selection, and in a
manner and at a time Avliich would secure a proper supply for the
season, and they would find themselves set fast. There cannot be a
greater mistake on the part of young men who, as soon as their two
or three years of apprenticeship is over, indulge a ceaseless hankering
to get into houses where forcing and plant-growing are carried on,
before they have made themselves conversant with the details of a
well-managed kitchen-garden.

If these remarks are applicable to professional aspirants, they are in
another sense far more applicable to many an amateur who is now-
adays leaving the crowded city chambers to live in retirement, and in
the enjoyment of a garden in the country. While a vast deal is being
written for their instruction in fruit-culture and flower-culture, that
department which affects their comfort more constantly is not so
carefully brought before them. For these especially we hope to prove
useful and instructive in the series of articles we have undertaken to
write — a task which we are a little encouraged to go on with from the
fact that in the leading journal the comparative skill of gardeners in
vegetable culture north and south of the Tweed is being discussed some-
what warmly. Without the slightest wish to enter on the discussion

28 THE GARDENER. [Jan.

referred to, it may be said in passing that a good deal of what is being
advanced must be the result of a one-sided knowledge : it never answers

in such matters to measure our neiojhbour's corn with our own bushel.

"O'

There is no intention of extending these papers by attempting to say
all that can be said on any given subject : what shall be aimed at is to
say what is likely to be of service to the greatest number and variety
of readers ; and especially to those owners of small gardens who, in
great measure, superintend their garden operations, will we aim at
being useful.

In commencing to wTite a series of articles on any department of
gardening, perhaps the most difficult thing to decide is what form or
arrangement the matter to be written should be put. This is felt and
confessed on the present occasion, and it is hoped that the arrange-
ment decided upon will meet with approval. At first it was designed
to say something of laying out, or forming vegetable gardens of various
sizes and characters, and to treat of the best way of improving unsuit-
able soils, such as heavy clay and light and shallow sandy soils. But
the conclusion come to is, to take up the catalogue of vegetables in
general cultivation, and treat of them alphabetically. And following
this order, we come first to a very important vegetable, namely —

ASPARAGUS (a. OFFICINALIS).

Although there are few vegetables which contain less nutriment than
this, it is nevertheless one of the most esteemed products of the kitchen-
garden. This is easily accounted for by its being so exceedingly mild
and pleasant to the taste ; so much is it so, that its culinary preparation
is generally of the most plain and simple character, so diflicult is it
considered to improve upon its delicate flavour. No wonder, then, that
it has been long cultivated and esteemed by all who can afford to grow
it. It was greatly prized by the Romans and the Greeks. Cato and
Columella have spoken strongly in its praise ; and Pliny, in speaking
of it, mentions some specimens of it which grew in a shady district
near Ravenna, three heads of which weighed a pound — a standard
sufficiently high for modern growers. But probably it may have been
a difi'erent variety from the common Asparagus which is found grow-
ing wild on the sea-shores of England.

Although the natural habitat of this vegetable is a poor and sandy
soil, it is necessary, in cultivating it to perfection, to grow it in a very
highly manured and deeply cultivated soil, because its good quality
depends on a quick and strong succulent growth. At the same time,
it never succeeds well for any length of time on a tenaceoys cold soil,
and succeeds best on a deep light loam. Hence it is found to thrive
so well on the deep light loams of Deptford, Battersea, and other

1869.] THE KITCHEN-GARDEN. 29

places round London, wliere it is grown in large quantities for the
supply of the metropolitan markets. No doubt one of the chief
reasons, apart from its delicate flavour, why this vegetable is so highly
esteemed, is, that it comes into use in the open ground at a season
when the finer vegetables are not plentiful, and is available daily, till
Green Peas take its place, as a first-class vegetable. It is also one
of the few vegetables which are most pliable to force for winter use, so
that, with very ordinary convenience, it can be sent to table for several
months of the year.

Asparagus is raised from seed, and the best time to sow is the end
of March or beginning of April. A light dry piece of ground should
be selected, and trenched to the depth of 2 feet. A heavy dressing of
well-rotted manure should be worked in while the operation of trench-
ing is going on. The manure should not be applied so much in the
bottom of the trench as in the top 15 inches of the soil, as the plants
are best transplanted when the year-old manure at the bottom of the
trench is not so much required. The surface of the ground should be
well pulverised with the spade, and finally raked tolerably fine with an
iron rake when it is in readiness for the seed. The seed is then sown
in drills, 14 inches apart and about 3 inches deep ; and as good strong
healthy crowns the first year are the object, the seed should be sov/n
thinly, certainly not thicker than one seed every inch. In covering
the seed the surface is left rather fine, as the young plants are exceed-
ingly slender w^hen they first make their appearance above the ground.
In light sandy soils, such as are desirable for raising young Aspar-
agus, it not unfrequently happens that a crop of annual weeds comes
up before the Asparagus itself ; and on this account a stake should be
directly inserted at the ends of each row, so that a line can be stretched
exactly over them, and the Dutch hoe applied between, without any
danger of injuring the young plants. This is much more speedy, and
even safer, than hand-weeding the whole surface.

Throughout the summer the Dutch hoe must be kept going amongst
the young crop, for the purpose of keeping the surface loose and clean.
In autumn, when the tops have become brown and ripe, they should
be cut over close to the ground, and a slight covering of half-decayed
leaves spread over the surface before severe frosts set in.

Some are in the habit of allowing seedling Asparagus to make two
years' growth before it is transplanted, but it is best to transplant the
spring after it is sown. When allowed to remain two years in the
seedling rows, it is scarcely possible to lift it without severely damag-
ing its long fleshy roots ; whereas, when only one year old, it can be
moved with its roots almost entire, and it makes growths as strong as
two-year-old seedlings.

30 THE GARDENER. [Jan.

HINTS FOR AMATEURS.— JANUARY.

The experience from the past dry season will be profitable to many of
us. It should teach us to be, as far as we can, provided against diffi-
culties to be met in future. We have seen many gardens during the
past season entirely parched up, and the produce not sufficient to pay
for the labour ; at other places we have seen vegetables, fruits, and
flowers finer than perhaps they ever were on the same places before.
In the latter places, means in some cases were more scanty than in the
places where failures were everywhere apparent ; different methods of
cultivation being the cause of success or disappointment. The examples
given by the racy writer on the Rose in past numbers are good illustra-
tions of what can be done by perseverance, — in one case an enthusiastic
Rose-grower is most successful in cultivating the queen of flowers where
he was told that they would not exist; another case of a cottager ex-
changing a quantity of gravel, stones, &c., for a "pond," which was
converted into a productive little garden, in which fruits and flowers
were successfully cultivated. We know a number of cottage gardens
which a few years ago produced little more than weeds of the worst
kind ; but there may be seen in them, every season, flowers and vege-
tables which would do credit to the leading professional men in the
country. Emulation has sprung up among the inhabitants of villas,
who some years ago had scarcely a bit of gravel to tread on, but are
now far advanced in the arts of gardening, and have in their gardens
fruits and flowers of the choicest kinds, and their grounds decorated in
the most tasteful manner. Obstacles are overcome which formerly were
considered folly to contend with. The same applies to professionals,
who are yearly surmounting difficulties. Fruits are cultivated where
soil and climate were considered altogether against them, by lifting
the roots up to receive the warmth of the sun, freeing them from stag-
nant and unhealthy moisture, keeping off long naked roots and securing
bunches of fibres instead, which give fruit-buds and matured wood
instead of wild watery growth, which causes so much cutting that the
trees become cankered and worthless. We were this autumn struck
with the excellent Apples and Pears in the gardens at Tynningham,
East Lothian, which were more like fine fruit we have seen in the
south of England, Though the soil and climate seem to be congenial,
there was something more to which success is to be attributed. The trees
are lifted, or otherwise attended to, before rank growth has its own way;
besides, there is no doing and undoing, no checking, then applying
strong manures (a system practised by some, giving a great deal of
labour and destroying the constitution of the trees), but fresh clean
soil, and only when necessary. When trees are in such productive con-

1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 31

dition, they require little attention in the way of either summer or
autumn pruning. The action of sun and air on the raised soil about
the roots, and the free exposure of the branches, by avoiding crowding,
are some of the agents which secure fine fruit. Doing everything
necessary at the proper time will save much labour and disappoint-
ment.

What " hints " we offer to those who have had little experience in
the ordinary management of small gardens will be based on experience
which has been attended by success, what we can glean from successful
growers, and by corresponding with successful professional men.

We may expect changeable weather in January ; and when stormy
and unsuitable for outdoor operations, let attention be directed towards
securing plenty of necessaries for the coming season — such as stakes,
pegs, shreds, &c. &c. — all cleaning over plants, preparing of soils,
examining for wireworm the turfs which are to be used for potting
Pinks, Carnations, e^^c. There is abundance of work for wet weather in
most gardens, however small, and if attended to at this season, the
advantage gained will be immense. There is nothing gained by
keeping men employed at ground-work in wet weather, though
much mischief may be done. All old soil which may have been
in use for potting, &c., may be looked over, clearing out any
stones, roots, sticks, &c. ; this we find very useful when sowing
small seeds early in the season. The drills can be filled in with
this when the soil of the garden may not be in favourable condition.
At the same time, we strongly object to sowing small seeds on a damp
sour surface. When soils are very heavy, it is almost indispens-
able to use dry fine soil for covering seeds. We have seen charcoal-
dust used with great success. Though heavy strong soils are un-
wieldy, and require more manual labour, yet in skilful hands the
finest crops are grown on such soils. They require treatment of
their own.

Where Peas, Beans, Parsnips, Onions, &c., are to be sown about the end
of February or early in IMarch, the ridges may be broken down in frosty
weather, and freely turned back and forward with the digging-fork
till the whole is well pulverised. Early Peas may, if required, be
sown about the middle of the month in boxes, small pots, turfs, &c.
It is an object, when planting them out, to have the roots as entire as
possible, and they are generally turned out undisturbed. In pots the
roots should not be allowed to be bound, which would only give a weakly
stunted crop. We prefer boxes with some roughish leaf-mould, or the
fibry part of turf well parted and placed in bottom, then a little finer
soil. The Peas are then sown thickly, and covered with any soil which
will allow the tops to grow through easily. Peas or Beans sown

32 THE GARDENER. [Jan.

under protection now require all the air and light possible to keep
them sturdy. Peas, Beans, and Spinach may be sown to succeed the
autumn sowing. Let the drills be exposed to the sun for a few
hours, and cover them with any kind of soil, finishing them up
in a dry state, v/liich is of great importance to all kinds of seed.
Cauliflower, Lettuce, and other things under protection, will require
abundance of air when possible. No dead leaves should appear, and
the surface-soil should be kept stirred, and free from anything
unhealthy. Keep up supplies of Seakale, Rliubarb, and Chicory by
placing small quantities in heat every fortnight or so : the demand
w^ill regulate the time. Prince Albert Rhubarb will be giving the
supply now, but Victoria can be brought on at this season. Mustard
and Cress can be had in fine condition by sowing a small quantity
in heat every "week in small pans or boxes. We have known this
grow^n successfully in dwelling-houses. It requires to be well exposed
to fresh air after it is grown an inch or so, otherwise the flavour will
be insipid. Radishes and Early Horn Carrots may be sown on a gentle
hotbed if wanted earty, using about 8 inches of soil over the bed,
and rather fine and sandy on the surface. A -warm border, sheltered
by a wall, will do for early Carrots and Radishes. Protection with
litter in frosty weather will be required ; but where frames and other
means are limited, it is well to leave such early sowing alone.
Potatoes may be placed on small pieces of turf, and covered with a
little soil, and sprung in a gentle-growing temperature preparatory for
planting in beds or under suitable protection. Hotbeds may be
made for Cucumbers, and the seed sown in small pots, using warm
soil, and no water given till the plants are up and growing. If hot-
beds are to be made, plenty of stable-manure is necessary ; other
manure will do, but stable is generally preferred. Let it be thrown
up till rankness is reduced before the bed is made ; but it need not be
wasted, as rank manure may be made up, and then a depth of
sweetened material placed on the surface : the whole made firm and
smooth, then place the frame. Over the manure place a layer of turf,
grassy side down, if it can be had. A ridge of soil may be placed
across the bed, and an inch or two over the turfs. The bed is then
ready when the heat is right. Cucumbers do well in a temperature of
70° by day and 65° by night, increasing 10° or 15° with sun. Pro-
tect Parsley with hoops and mats, &c., so that it can be jDicked in
severe weather. Broccolis will require to be looked to frequently, and
protected as formerly advised. Mint and other herbs may be lifted
and potted, or planted in boxes, and grown in a little heat if wanted.
All other ground operations should be well forward by this time, after
such an open season. What is left undone, let it be attended to when-

1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 33

ever weather is suitable. Tlie advice given for these operations, for
tlie last two months, applies to this and next month.

Fruit-trees, whether on walls or standards, if covered with moss, should
be gone over with a piece of hoop or similar instrument, and all the
bark cleaned, but care taken not to injure it. Lime-wash may then be
applied, which will destroy moss and insects ; or lime dusted on after
rain will save time. The same application may be of great service to
Gooseberries and Currants. Some take away the soil round the collars
of the bushes annually, and replace it with fresh earth, to prevent the
ravages of caterpillar. "\Ye use a mulching of decayed manure after
scraping away the soil, and cover it over with a little clean soil. The
roots should not be interfered with in process of digging. Trees on
walls which may be infested with Scale should be well scraped, and a
washing of Gishurst's Compound given, about 4 oz. to the gallon of
water. All other necessary work connected with hardy fruit-trees left
undone should be attended to when weather is fine, as formerly ad-
vised. Train Raspberries either to stakes by tying them upright, or
in rows 8 inches or so apart. Keep them about 4 or 5 feet high,
according to strength. Clear all suckers away, and plant up blanks, or
make fresh plantations in deep, rich, cool soil. Rasps do well with
plenty of mulching. Wires fastened in lines to upright stakes make
neat training-fences.

Shrubs planted in autumn, and not already mulched with decayed
leaves, short, half-rotten manure, or similar material, should be attended
to now ; this keeps out frost in winter, and drought in summer. Earth
placed over the mulching will make all look tidy. Turf -laying and all
other improvements should be done whenever weather permits. If
heavy falls of snow occur, Conifera and other vaulable trees will
require to be shaken clear so far as can be done. Many trees are
ruined from not being looked to in time, as they soon break down
under their load of snow. All bulbs require some kind of protection
from frost, which saves the flowers. In cold pits, frames, or green-
houses, little can be done at present further than attending to cleanli-
ness, keeping everything as dry as possible ; not allowing any plant
to suffer at the root, however, but giving enough water, when necessary,
to moisten the whole ball. Fresh air, and keeping these structures
cool, is greatly in their favour ; keeping out frost and cutting winds,
however. Those who only have windows can only move them away
when frosty, and place them in the light and air when weather is
fine. Pinks, Auriculas, and similar plants under protection, require to
be kept very dry, and have abundance of fresh air. No damp among
them should be allowed. Stir the surfaces of the pots. Keep worms
out. Coal-ashes make a good bottom for standing them on. Pinks

c

34 THE GARDENER. [Jan.

and Pansies in the open ground may be protected with hoops and mats,
which can be uncovered when weather is fine. If frames, &c., get
covered thickly with snow, it will afford good protection ; but when
thaw sets in, it may be swept off as speedily as possible. M. T.

A GAE-DElSrEIl'S HOLIDAY.

The climate of North Wales, as may be judged from its adjoining the
Channel, is mild and moist. Ferns and mosses are very abundant ;
all the smaller species of Asplenium are plentiful, such as Viride, Sep-
tentrionale, Adiantum nigrum, Trichomanes, Ruta muraria, and even
Lanceolatum. Curious enough, almost all these species we have
gathered on Arthur's Seat. The common Polypody is as common as
grass ; in one instance we observed the whole roof of a house densely
covered wdth it. Ceterach and Cystopteris are easily procurable, and
even Adiantum Capillis veneris, but this we did not see. The
Dwarf Furze Avas in full flower in September, which is peculiar,
since we are accustomed to see the Whins in Scotland in bloom
before Easter; but they are two different species. The common Co-
toneaster is indigenous to the Welsh coast ; bushels of the ripe
berries could now be gathered. We backed out of Wales via
Chester again, past orchards laden with apples, a small bright red
variety being exceedingly abundant. Our route homewards through
Manchester, Sheffield, Barnsley, and Leeds has become notorious of late
by coal-pit and railway disasters, which might compare in horrible in-
terest with Tam O'Shanter's nocturnal ride from Ayr to Alloway Kirk,
only the disasters which marked the various points of Tam's route were
microscopic compared to our modern horrors, as were Tam's mode of
locomotion —

" Well mounted on his grey mare Meg " —

compared to a modern train ; but the philosopher would probably credit
the whole to the "march of improvement." Passing through what is,
perhaps, the longest tunnel in England, on the London and York rail-
way, which took 8 minutes, the train soon arrives at Wortley station,
close on Wortley Hall, the seat of Lord Wharncliffe. The park and
grounds occupy the slope of a rising-ground facing the east, and the
whole place has an air of comfort, compactness, and neatness. From the
sloping nature of the ground the two main ranges of glass are made up
with the houses on various levels, in order to face the south. Hambro'
Grapes are fine in berry and finish, quite equal to those we saw at

1869.] A GARDENER'S HOLIDAY. 35

Garston. Peacli-trees were also in first-rate order. Two houses of
Queen Pines were magnificent examples of good culture j in one house
they were in part planted out ; all were sturdy, broad-leaved, thick-
necked fellows, bound to throw grand fruits next spring and sum-
mer. Six ranges of lean-to pits, substantially built and well heated,
are a feature here ; in one of them an immense crop of Tomatoes was
colouring, the plants trained to a trellis close to the glass. Others were
occupied with succession Pines, Pigs in pots, bedding-stuff, &c. Here
are also forced French Beans, Potatoes, and Strawberries. The Keens,
Dr Hogg, and Sir Harry, upwards of 1000, were very fine plants for forc-
ing. The position of Wortley is high and inland, the flower-garden was
therefore over before our arrival. The design is neat and tasteful, and
occupies a sunk position under the southern windows of the mansion.
Two large plant-houses built of iron — a stove and greenhouse, some
distance apart — are prominent features in this part of the grounds,
and are both well stocked with the leading flowering and foliage plants.
Mr Simpson has carried out many permanent improvements here since
taking the management — such as remaking vine-borders, asphalting
the walks, building new vineries and fig-house. A plentiful supply of
clean soft water has been laid on all over the garden during the past
summer, by which, with the help of hose and hydrants, every inch of
ground and every tree can be drenched at pleasure j this is a boon to
be envied, especially after the experience of the summer which has just
passed. We have not space to particularise the many excellencies of
this fine place, creditable to Mr Simpson's quiet ability, and gratifying
to him in the enjoyment of his employer's appreciative encouragement.
What is now termed Wharncliffe Chace we suppose once formed part
of the ancient Sherwood Forest, which also included the high ground
around the tributaries of the Don. From here to the Dukeries, which
also occupy part of the same famous ground, is a two hours' journey,
so that Piobin Hood must have had a pretty large hunting-field. Some
idea of its intricacy and loneliness may yet be obtained by a walk
through Clumber and Thoresby. We may suppose that Robin would
be sorely puzzled were he to appear in the flesh and see the stately
mansions which now preside over the scene, the scores of brick fun-
nels vomiting forth coal-smoke, and also the famous gardens which
have taken the place of the haunts of the wild-boar and fallow-deer.

Thoresby is in a transition state, fast becoming transformed into one
of the points cVappui of gardening. Supposing lines drawn all over
the kingdom between the principal gardens, like the railways on
Bradshaw's map, Thoresby would be one of the places dignified
with capitals. Two years hence will be time enough to give a full
report on this fine place. The mansion is yet to finish and the flower-

36 THE GARDENER. [Jan.

garden to begin ; wliat is already done has been well done, and on a
grand scale. The vineries are the most spacious we have ever seen
for lean-tos, and the crops, especially Muscats, extra fine. Figs are in
grand health, as also stove and greenhouse plants. The Standard
Mignonette for winter, grown in low span-pits, were models ; and in
numbers were the Dalechampia in fine flower, and magnificent speci-
mens of the true Celosia aurea. Mr Henderson as well as Mr Simpson
has caught the sub -tropical fever. One bed filled with Echeveria,
we must confess, was striking. The grotesque-looking E. metallica
which filled the centre in great luxuriance was very defiant, we had
nearly said beautiful ; and a chain pattern round the same of E.
glauca, filled in with the choice tricolor Pelargoniums, was certainly
unique and pretty. Pines are also well done here — some planted out,
but the most in pots ; and it is high praise to say that they trod hard
on the heels of those at Wortley. The Thoresby Queen is a most
striking and distinct Pine, and ought to be more generally grown. It
has the short spreading sturdy habit of the Common Queen, but
densely covered with meal, which makes it very conspicuous in a
collection. It swells a large pyramidal fruit, is more juicy than the
Common Queen, and quite as free from stringiness, but not so rich as
that variety. Indeed, we think it bears the same relation to the Common
Queen as the Golden Champion bears to the Muscat Grape — they ought
to be eaten together. The Thoresby Queen must certainly be more grown
when better known : its habit and appearance at once recommend it.

The country for miles around Barnsley has the appearance of
sufi*ering from a slow and continued earthquake, from the sinking
of old pit -workings : the roads are sunk and twisted into ugly
gradients, the stone-fences are reft, and bowing hither and thither;
even houses bow to the general disturbance.

A peep for a few hours into the Leeds Exhibition, a multum in
parvo, was the finish to our fortnight's holiday of sight-seeing — it was
the grand finale or transfiguration scene. It was a study for a season
instead of for a few hours. The cases of miniatures of historical
characters set in gold ,witli the names engraven, contributed by the
Duke of Buccleuch, were particularly interesting to us. The central
hall was disfigured with a lot of poor scrubby dusty Palms, Altingias,
and foliage -plants, which made one feel an itching to get at them
with an engine in sanitary indignation.

The Squiee's Gaedener.

. — ^>-^^^^^P<fl*

1869.] NEW PLANTS OF THE PAST MONTH. 37

'NEW PLANTS OF THE PAST MONTH.

{Continued from 'p. 530 of 1868.)

It is always pleasant to note that just at the dullest season of the
year, when of out-of-door flowers it may be truly said,

" Through all the long dark winter time
They mourn within their dreary cells,"

then is it the fitting time for some of the most magnificent of
the Orchid family to appear in all their almost unrivalled splen-
dour— the very aristocracy of the kingdom of flowers. Especially
did this appear to be noticeable at the meeting of the Floral Com-
mittee on the 17th of November, when some grand Orchids put in
appearance, several of them being new, and of great beauty. Messrs
Veitch & Sons of Chelsea received first-class certificates for the fol-
lowing : for Pleione Eeichenbachiana, a beautiful and perfectly distinct
species of the Pleione group of Calogynes, from Moulmein — the
sepals rosy lilac, the lip white, and marked on the disc with straight
lines of deep magenta purple : — Mr Bateman has described the Pleiones
as " the autumn Crocuses of the Himalaya Mountains," as they did
not produce flowers and leaves at the same time : — for Phaius irroratus,
a hybrid obtained by Mr Dominy, and resulting from a cross between
Calanthe vestita alba and Phaius grandiflorus, taking the habit and
growth of the latter, — the erect spike, w^hen fully developed, being
from 2 to 3 feet in leno-th : the flowers differ from those of the Phaius
in having the spur of the Calanthe, the throat being also less deep, and
having less of the trampet shape than in the case of the Phaius :
colour, creamy white tinged with pink, thus differing from either
parent ; the flowers also being further apart on the spike than in the
case of the Phaius : — for Oncidium cucuUatuni Phalsenopsis, a very
pretty variety, differing from the ordinary form of O. cucuUatum in
having the labellum pure white instead of pink, richly spotted at the
base ; and for Oncidium Forbesii, with strong, dark-brown flowers
and a yellow mottled edge, introduced some years ago, but since lost
sight of, and now shown in fine condition. It was also exhibited by
Mr B. S. Williams of Holloway, under the name of 0. crispum mar-
ginatum, and received the same award. A first-class certificate was
likewise awarded to Mr B. S. Williams for Oncidium holochrysum,
wdth rich, bright yellow flowers, — a small but very fine species.

In addition to what has been here stated, ^Messrs Veitch tfe Sons
had fine examples of the splendid Cattleya Exoniensis, and the equally
valuable and beautiful Cattleya Dominiana — both illustrations of Mr
Dominy's successful efforts at hybridising : the finely-coloured Calanthe

38 THE GARDENER. [J

AN.

Yeitchii ; a riclily- coloured form of Sophronites grandiflora, and a noble
example of Vanda coerulea, the spike of flowers of which would consist
of twenty-six blossoms when all were expanded, and, according to Mr
Bateman, a longer spike than was ever exhibited before. A very fine- cut
spike of the same magnificent species was also sent by Mr Thomson
of Dalkeith : the tints of the flowers sent by Mr Thomson were de-
cidedly better than those furnished by Messrs Veitch & Sons, but
some Orchid-growers assert that this is regulated more by the age of
the flowers than from any special mode of treatment adopted by the
cultivator. As other growers of equal authority attach so much im-
portance to methods of treatment, I have the pleasure to give the fol-
lowing extract from Mr Thomson's letter, which accompanied the
spikes of Vanda coerulea, V. suavis, and some fine varieties of Y.
tricolor : " The j)lants were grown in a large airy house, glazed with
ground glass, and only shaded during hot summer weather. The
13lants were grovdng in wooden baskets, in sphagnum and charcoal, and
but rarely watered overhead, and occupied a wooden stage over a tank
of cold water ; and generally, as far as the varieties of Vanda tricolor
and V. suavis were concerned, they flowered three times a-year, the
Vanda coerulea only once. The plant of V. coerulea, from which the
spike sent was taken, was 18 inches in height, and all its leaves, even
to the bottom of the plant, were quite fresh." Mr Thomson further
stated that the plant of Vanda coerulea produced three spikes of
flowers, the largest bearing twenty-five blooms.

Of Ferns, the following received first-class certificates : — Pteris seru-
lata corymbifera, a very handsome crested variety, from Mr B. S. Wil-
liams; and to Gymnogramma laucheana corymbifera, with the ter-
minal crests, as in the case of the foregoing, gathered in the form of a
corymb.

The same award was made to Mr Green, gardener to W. W. Saunders,
Esq., Reigate, for a well-grown pyramidal-shaped plant of a Cape species
of Asparagus named decumbens, it being so distinguished as represent-
ing a light and handsome decorative plant.

Some more of the new seedling form of Coleus raised at the gardens of
the Royal Horticultural Society at Chiswick by Mr Bause were staged,
and first-class certificates were awarded to the following : — Duke of
Edinburgh, the leaf surface reddish bronzy orange, slightly veined with
purple, and slight margin of yellow, the under side of the leaves tinged
with purple ; Prince of Wales, upper surface of the leaves reddish
orange bronze, with dark lines and blotches ; Prince Arthur, the leaves
parti-coloured, with dark maroon yellow, and irregularly distributed
upon the surface ; Princess Beatrice, bright greenish-yellow leaves,
veined with dark claret; Her Majesty, reddish bronze dashed with

1869.] NEW PLANTS OF THE PAST MONTH. 39

purple and yellow, and yellow edge ; and Albert Victor, the centre of
the leaf dark orange red, with dark crimson markings and blotchings
of yellow. On the 10th of December last, the foregoing, with others
similarly certificated, but all representing the fine golden-leaved strain
obtained mainly from C. Blumei and C. Verschaffeltii, were submitted to
public auction by Mr J. C. Stevens, and somewhat widely distributed,
as no purchaser appeared to take more than two kinds. The most pro-
mising, Princess Koyal, was taken by Mr Turner, Slough, at 25 guineas.
One or two others fetched 10 to 15 guineas, while the remainder only
realised smaller sums. The proceeds of the sale, some £75, is not
much in excess of the sum paid by Messrs Veitch and Son last spring
for Coleus Bausei alone, which fetched some <£58. It is now univer-
sally acknowledged that the prices paid for some of the first batch of
hybrids were far beyond their actual value ; and it is not too much to
say that among the horticultural records of the year just closed must
be placed that outbreak which may well be designated the Coleus
mania.

First-class certificates were also awarded to Mr C. Turner, Slough,
for the following Variegated Zonal Pelargoniums : Mrs Headley, very
finely coloured, and excellent habit ; Miss Putter, with rich high-
coloured markings ; and Mademoiselle C. Nillsson, a pleasing soft-
looking variety. In addition Mr Turner had examples of Hayes
Ptival, Mr Hugh Berners, Grandmaster, Senior Warden, and Mr
Eutter. The plants were of unusual size, and splendidly grown ;
and the awards made were intended by the Floral Committee to
stamp the particular kinds as eminently ada]3ted for autumn and
winter decoration. This is the proper function of a majority of these
fine Variegated Pelargoniums, as their beautiful leaves are flowers and
foliage in one, and that too at a comparatively barren season, when
flowering-stuff is scarce. I hope some of the readers of the ' Gar-
dener' will be induced to turn their attention to the cultivation of
the Variegated Zonal Pelargonium, as a plant almost unrivalled for
winter decoration when the grand leaves are finely developed. Let
any one so disposed obtain Mr Peter Grieve's excellent little book
on the Variegated Zonal Pelargonium, as, apart from the mass of
extremely useful and interesting information it contains as to the
history of this tribe of plants, the cultural directions contained
therein are of the utmost value to aU who make a fancy of this
exceedingly attractive plant. K. D.

40 THE GARDENER. [Jan.

STATICE PROFUSA.

The Statice family is well worthy of more attention than is generally
bestowed on it. Many of the varieties are extremely useful for green-
house and conservatory decoration during the autumn months, when
blooming plants are rather scarce. They are also very useful for sitting-
room stands and vases, more especially the one which my present ob-
ject is to bring under the notice of your readers.

We have no fear of being called in question by any one who is
acquainted with the extreme usefulness of Statice profusa when we
say it is one of the most useful pot-plants in cultivation, fully justify-
ing the name it bears by yielding an enormous profusion of flowers.
An individual plant will continue in bloom from July to November in
a cool greenhouse, and by having plants in different stages of growth
there is no difficulty in having it in bloom throughout the year. It
can be grown in greenhouse temperature, but to grow it quickly into
large plants, an intermediate temperature suits it better during the
spring months. It also strikes freely from cuttings placed in a gentle
bottom-heat in July or August ; they will root in four or five weeks.
When well rooted, pot them, if strong cuttings, into 4 -inch pots.
The compost which suits them best is two parts loam, one part leaf-
mould, one part peat, and one part silver sand. If large plants
are wanted quickly, they should be grown in the coolest part
of the stove all winter, where they will have a temperature of
55° or 60°, keeping them near the glass. They will require a shift
early in February into 8-inch pots, using the same soil, only some-
what rougher, with the addition of a little charcoal and half-
inch bones. In these pots they will make fine flowering -plants,
and yield dense heads of bloom from 18 inches to 2 feet across. If
wanted for late autumn blooming, the first flower-spikes must be
pinched off as they appear ; these, however, generally yield the finest
heads of bloom. After they have been potted, grow them in a tem-
perature of 60° during the spring months, bedewing them overhead
morning and evening. A slight bottom-heat will materially assist them
in making a rapid and vigorous growth, but the latter is by no means
indispensable. As they throw up their flower-spikes they should be
hardened off, and ultimately placed in a light airy house, when they
form beautiful objects amongst autumn flowering-plants. When inter-
mixed with a collection of Zonal Geraniums the combination is very
pleasing and effective. When the flowering season is past, remove the
flower-spikes and winter them in the greenhouse, keeping them rather
dry at the root. In spring they will want repotting. Reduce the balls,
and pot them in the same sized pots, or in a size larger; but the size of

1869.] SOMETHING ABOUT THE CHRYSANTHEMUAI. 41

plant required must regulate the size of pot into wliicli they are shifted.
Place them in an intermediate temperature. A slight bottom-heat will
assist them to start more freely. When the pots are well filled with
roots, give them frequent waterings with weak liquid manure. This
will materially assist the size and character of the flowers and duration
of bloom. They are very subject to green-fly at all times, and fumiga-
tion with tobacco-paper must be resorted to. Red-spider also attacks
them in dry hot summers, but a few washings with the syringe will
rid them of this pest. It has also been planted out in summer, and
has succeeded perfectly. To all those who have much to do in the
way of decoration with pot-plants we would strongly recommend it.

Down South.

SOMETHING ABOUT THE CHRYSANTHEMUM.

'No apology is necessary for a reference to the Chrysanthemum at this
season of the year. It is ^jxti!?* excellence the popular flower of the
autumn and winter months out of doors, if happily unmolested by
frosts, most cheerful and acceptable in our gardens ; while indoors,
who could do justice to such a magnificent display as that made by
that master of Chrysanthemum culture, Mr John Salter of the Ver-
sailles Nursery, Hammersmith, London 1 In his v/inter-garden is to
be seen in the month of November, at their greatest perfection of
beauty, a grand exhibition of varieties of this valuable winter plant.
By the appropriate use of a few simple elements — some pieces of rock,
mosses, variegated and ornamental, and other plants, &c., and a large
quantity of these Chrysanthemums — are thus displayed forms which
enchant the eye and gladden the heart ; pleasant aspects of beauty in
nature mingling together that have a peculiar gratification when
nipping winds and biting frosts are about their appointed tasks, in
their own fashion and appointed way working destruction and death,
but which are destined to be, ere long, the precursor of the birth of
new and beautiful forms in the pleasant spring-time.

My object is to give notes on some of the best forms of the Chry-
santhemum as seen here, both large-flowering and pompone, as they are
termed, and to attempt as far as possible some general arrangement of
colours, though in regard to some flowers this were almost impossible,
so imperceptibly does one shade of colour seem to glide into and blend
with another. One thing is, however, quite certain, that within the
past few years a wonderful advance has been made towards the attain-
ment of brightness and distinctness of colour in the flowers, and with

42 THE GARDENER. [Jan.

tliis a corresponding advance in fulness, and towards perfect develop-
ment.

Of the deeper-coloured flowers that may well be termed crimson,
there were Cardinal Wiseman, bright reddish crimson, a fine hue of
colour ; Crimson Velvet, a very richly-coloured flower, of a bright dark-
crimson hue ; Dr Sharpe, crimson-magenta, a fine reflexed flower ;
Julia Lagravere, a small but showy flower, which should be in every
collection for its bright hue of crimson ; Lord Clyde, bright glowing
crimson, a small but attractive flower ; Prince Alfred, rosy crimson, a
splendid flower, which richly deserves to be grown ; and Progne, a
brilliant hue of amaranth, striking, and very showy. Of purple and
violet shades the following are well worthy notice : Lord Derby,
dark purple, very fine ; Fingal, rosy violet, also fine ; Hereward,
purple, but when fully incurved presenting a silvery appearance ; Mr
Murray, violet rose, a fine reflexed flower ; and Ossian, rosy purple,
very large and full. Chestnut and bronzy orange shades may be
said to prevail in the Chrysanthemum ; of these some of the most
striking were — Bronze Jardin des Plantes, bronzy orange, with yellow
centre, a sport from the golden yellow flower of this name; General
Harding, Indian-red tinted with gold, very fine ; General Slade, a
very showy flower in the same way, but distinct ; Golden Eagle,
reddish chestnut tipped with orange, very fine ; John Salter, reddish
cinnamon, with orange centre, a striking hue of colour ; Pio Nono,
Indian-red, tipped with gold, fine and showy ; Rev. J. Dix, orange
red, with pale centre, large and full ; Sir Stafi"ord Carey, dark-
brownish chestnut, a distinct and striking flower ; and Triomphe du
Nord, pale reddish chestnut, very fine. Lilac flowers are found in
Princess Beatrice, a very fine and striking variety, of a bright deep
silver -lilac hue; Empress Eugenie, delicate rosy-lilac; and Yenus,
lilac-peach, a very fine incurved flower. Shades of rose and blush can
be found in Enamel, delicate blush-white; Mrs Huffington, a very
beautiful delicate -tipped flower; Her Majesty, silvery - blush, very
fine indeed ; Corapactum, silvery-peach, distinct, and very pretty ;
Lady Talfourd, delicate rosy-lilac, very fine ; Novelty, blush, a very
fine and full flower, requiring good cultivation to bring out its full
beauty; and Princess Marie, a pretty rose-coloured early -blooming
variety. Flowers of shades of yellow comprise some splendid kinds —
such as Guernsey Nuggett, clear primrose-yellow, very fine ; Cloth-of-
Gold, an old but very showy flower; Gloria Mundi, bright golden-
yellow, very showy ; Golden Beverley, deep canary, very fine indeed ;
and Jardin des Plantes, rich golden-yellow, very fine and showy.
White flowers comprise some beautiful things — such as Miss Mare-
chaux, pure white, very fine indeed ; Princess of Teck, pure white,

1869.] NEW AND BEAUTIFUL PLANTS. 43

large, and very fine ; Dido, sulphur-white, free-blooming, and showy ;
Ion, pure white, fine ; Mrs George Eundle, pure white, a medium-
sized flower, symmetrical, and extra fine ; Princess of Wales, pearly-
white, extra fine, large, and full ; and White Christine, a very fine
flower, tinged with lavender when opening, but changing to pure
white.

The pompon-flowering kinds comprise some very pretty and striking
kinds, distinct in colour, and highly attractive. Of yellow and orange
shades there are — Autumna, buff, large, and good ; La Vogue, bright-
gold, fine ; Aigle d'Or, yellow, an excellent variety ; and Golden
Aurore, golden-yellow. Of dark flowers Bob is one of the best, bright
crimson-brown, but somewhat late in blooming ; Brilliant, fiery crim-
son, very bright ; Louiset Tessier, crimson amaranth j and Salamon,
dark rosy-carmine. Of bronze and chestnut-coloured flowers there are
— Satanella, orange-amber, fine ; Aurore Boreale, dark orange, very
fine j and brown Cedo Nulli. Lilac and rose-coloured flowers are gene-
rally represented by Graziella, blush-lilac ; Madame Bachaux, lilac ;
Madame Pauline Deschamps, white and carmine, very pretty; Mrs Dix,
blush, bordered with rose, large and flne ; Eose d' Amour, clear rose ;
and Eose Trevenna, rosy-blush, extra fine. Of white flowers there are —
Madame Fould, cream -white, small, but very pretty and of fine form ;
Mademoiselle Marthe, w^hite, dwarf-growing ; and white Trevenna, a
fine sport from the rose-coloured variety.

The foregoing are worthy attention, as furnishing some of the very
finest kinds both for exhibition and conservatory decoration. There
are yet the Anemone-flowered and the new Japanese varieties, but any
notice of them must be deferred for a future paper. Quo.

NOTES OF ]SrEW AND BEAUTIFUL PLANTS SEEN BE-
CENTLY IN MESSRS VEITCH'S NURSERY, KING'S
ROAD, CHELSEA.

Croton Yeitchii, being sent out now. C, Hookerii, to come out in
two years. C. Maxima, to come out this year. C. Hillii, bronze and
red, to come out this year. C. tricolor, pretty. C. AYyseniania has a
fine long yellow leaf, looks beautiful as a standard.

Pandanus Yeitchii, fine white-and-green striped.

Dracaena Moorii, a fine large variety to come out this year. D.
magnifica, a grand variety, to come out in tw^o years. D. Chelsonii,
to come out this year. D. M'Lezia, a very dark variety.

Lomaria bella, a very beautiful crested Pern, somewhat resembling L.

U THE GARDENER. [Jan.

Gibbii — a Davallia, not yet named, from Borneo, a very handsome Fern.
Marattia Cooperii, a very distinct Fern. Davallia liemiptera, also pretty.

Arancaria elcgans, a pretty plant and hardy.

Hedaroma fimbriata, a pretty pink greenhouse plant. Thybordina
arcuniinata covers a greenhouse wall with pretty flowers like- Erica
aristata. A very neat-growing plant from Japan is Retinospora fili-
coides.

^Uliantum Farleyensis is a Fern with beautifully-cut leaves.

Amongst many beautiful Orchids the following struck us as worthy
of note : Catleya exonienses, flowers large, colours purple, yellow,
and white. A hybrid Cypripedium between villosum and barbatum,
very distinct. A hybrid between Calanthe vestita alba and Phagus
grandiflora, besides which we saw many other hybrids not yet bloomed.
^'Erides Huttonii is pink, self-coloured, and very pretty.

These are all noteworthy plants that may with advantage be added
to any collection.

YELLOW PEACHES.

In "Notes on New Varieties of Fruits" which appeared in last
month's ' Gardener,' Mr Sliortt includes Dr Hogg and a Bee among
yellow-fleshed Peaches, which is a mistake. I have grown both of
these ; the former I got from Mr Rivers, and they are both of them
white-fleshed. Dr Hogg is one of the handsomest Peaches I ever saw,
being very large and highly coloured, and the flesh sprightly and
deliciously flavoured j indeed, taking size and flavour into consider-
ation, I do not know any other sort to equal it. It ripens with me in
the beginning of August.

I do not agree with Mr Shortt in his estimate of the Royal Ascot
Grape, which I have also grown. I think it a first-rate variety, and
a valuable addition to our collections. J. G. B.

LIVERPOOL CHRYSATTTHBMUM AND FRUIT SHOW.

This exhibition took place in St George's Hall on the 25th and 26th of Novem-
ber last, and was, by impartial and competent judges, considered the most splen-
didwinter display of fruit and flowers ever seen. The Chrysanthemums, whether
as regarded the size of the individual blooms or the magnificence of the specimens,
were quite unique. Liverpool has made Chrysanthemum-growing a perfect spe-
cialty— so much so, that Mr Broome, the celebrated Chrysanthemum-grower of
the Temple Gardens, London, pays an annual visit to Liverpool on the occasion
of these Shows to look after his .laurels.

1869.] LIVERPOOL CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOW.

45

The exLibition of fruit was also of great excellence, and the whole arrangements
reflected great credit on Mr T3^erman, the Curator of the Botanic Gardens, and
Mr R/ IST. Kerr, seedsman, Basnett Street.

The judges were — Fruit : Mr Lees, gardener to the Earl of Haddington, and
Mr Grey, gardener to the Earl of Zetland. Plants and Flowers : Mr Baines, Bow-
den ; Mr Hibberd, Stoke Newington ; Mr Broome, of the Temple Gardens, Lon-
don. The following are their awards : —

Nine large-flowered Chrysanthemums
(amateurs) — 1. R. Houghton (Fleming,
gardener) ; 2. J. E. Reynolds (Wilson,
gardener) ; 3. R. Higgin, (Myers, gar-
dener).

Six large-flowered Chrysanthemums
—1. R. Houghton ; 2. Mrs Holt (New-
man, gardener) ; 3. J. E. Reynolds.

Three large-flowered Chrysanthemums
— 2. S. S. Parker (Lowndes, gardener).

One specimen large-flowered Chrysan-
themum— 1. J. E. Reynolds ; 2. R.
Houghton ; 3. F. C. Braun (Dunbar,
gardener); extra, J. M'Ardle (Airey, gar-
dener).

Nine Pompone Chrysanthemums
(amateurs) — 1. R. Houghton; 2. J. E.
Reynolds; 3. Lieut. -Colonel Wilson;
extra, H. Pearce (Orr, gardener).

Six Pompone Chrysanthemums — 1.
J. M'Ardle; 2. H. Pearce; 3. Lieut. -
Colonel Wilson; extra, P. M. Hannay
(Shaw, gardener).

Three Pompone Chrysanthemums —
1. J. E. Reynolds; 2. S. S. Parker, R.
Higgin, and Major Blundell (Woollam,
gardener) ; 3. J. M'Ardle, F. C. Braun,
and H. Pearce.

One Pompone Chrysanthemum — 1.
R. Houghton and R. Higgin, equal ; 2.
J. E. Reynolds; 3. H. Pearce, S. S. Par-
ker, and Major Blundell, equal.

One standard Chrysanthemum — 1. J.
M'Ardle; 2. J. E. Reynolds; 3. F. C.
Braun; extra, J. M'Ardle.

One Pyramid Chrysanthemum — 1 .
Lieut. -Colonel Wilson ; 2. J. E. Rey-
nolds ; 3. F. C. Braun ; extra, F.
C. Braun.

Three Anemone - flowered Chrysan-
themums— 2. P. M. Hannay.

One Anemone-flowered Chrysanthe-
mum—1. J. E. Reynolds; 2. P. M.
Hannay.

Eighteen cut Blooms, large-flowered

Chrysanthemums — 1, Mr Hobbs, Bris-
tol ; 2. S. H. Thompson (Foster, gar-
dener) ; 3. J. Crosfield (Tiller, gardener).

Twelve cut Blooms, large-flowered
Chrysanthemums— 1. Mr Hobbs, Bris-
tol ; 2. S. H. Thompson and F. C. Braun,
equal ; 3. J. Crosfield.

Six cut Blooms, large-flowered Chry-
santhemums— 1. Mr Hobbs, Bristol; 2.
J. G. Bateson (M 'Hardy, gardener), and
F. C. Braun, equal; 3. S. H. Thomp-
son.

Six fringed Primulas— 1. P. M. Han-
nay; 2. J. M'Ardle; 3. R. Higgin.

Four double Pi'imulas — L Mrs Zwil-
chenbart (Sorley, gardener) ; 2. J.
M'Ardle.

Six stove and greenhouse Ferns — 1.
Mrs Had wen (Armstrong, gardener) ; 2.
R. Alison (Sinclair, gardener) ; 3. J.
Mayer (Tharm, gardener).

Three stove and greenhouse Ferns —
1. Mrs Had wen ; 2. R. Alison ; 3, J. E.
Reynolds.

One stove or greenhouse Fern — 1. R.
Alison; 2. Mrs Hadwen ; 3. Major
Blundell.

One Tree Fern — Earl of Derby (Free-
man, gardener).

Two Standard Mignonettes — 1. P. S.
Boult (Lamb, gardener); 2. S. S. Parker;
3. J. E. Reynolds.

Two Pots Mignonette— 1. S. S. Par-
ker ; 2. P. S. Boult.

Bouquet for the Hand (amateurs) —
1. R. Houghton; 2. Earl of Derby ; 3.
Mr Eaves, Green Lane.

Bouquet for the Hand (nurserymen)
— 1. Mr Rylance, Town Green; 2. Mr
Delamere, St John's Market; 2. Mr
Ash croft. West Derby.

Three Poinsettia Pulcherrima — 1. F.
C. Braun ; 2. Colonel Thomson (Tither-
ington, gardener) ; 3. J. Campbell (Eve-
rett, gardener).

46

THE GARDENER.

[Jan.

Three Pans Early Eoman Hyacinths
—1. F. a Braun ; k Mrs Holt.

Three Euphorbia Jacquinifcflora — 1.
Earl of Derby ; 2. J. Campbell ; 3. Col-
onel Clay (Porteous, gardener).

Three Ornamental Fruited Plants —

1. P. M. Hannay; 2. Earl of Derby;
8. S. H. Thompson.

Three Ornamental Foliage Plants — 1.
R. Alison ; 2. Mrs Holt and H. Walker
equal (Smith, gardener); 3. J. Campbell
and Major Blundell equal.

Three Heaths, in flower — 1. P. M.
Hannay ; 2. Earl of Derby.

One Palm— 1. Earl of Derby; 2.
J. Mayor; 3. Lieut. -Colonel Wilson;
extra, J. i\Iayor.

Twelve Dishes Hardy Fruit (for nur-
serymen)— 1. C. Piylance, Town Green;

2. R. Ashcroft, West Derby.

Twelve Dishes of Fruit — 1. Mrs
Zwilchenbart ; 2. W. Jackson, M.P.
(Woolley, gardener) ; 3. H. Littledale
(Smith, gardener).

Six Dishes of Fruit — 1. Earl of Derby;

2. R. Sneyd (Hill, gardener) ; 3, Mrs
Zwilchenbart.

Three Pine- Apples — 1. J. Dickson
(Wallace, gardener) ; 2. Colonel Clay.

One Pine - Apple— 1. H. Walker; 2.
J. Dickson (Wallis, gardener) ; 3. Earl of
Derby.

Two Bunches Black Hamburg Grapes
—1. J. E. Reynolds ; 2. H. Littledale ;

3. ^y. Jackson, M.P.

Two Bunches Black Grapes — 1. Mr
Ellis Houlgrave, Seaforth ; 2. H. Little-
dale ; 3. H. Walker.

Two Bunches White Grapes (Muscat)
— 1. R. Sneyd (Hill, gardener) ; 2. J. A.
Tinue (Forbes, gardener); 3. H. Walker.

Two Bunches White Grapes — 1. H.
Littledale T. Clarke, (Williamson, gar-
dener) ; 3. Earl of Derby.

Eight Varieties Dessert Pears (six of
a kind) — 1. Mrs Harvey (Auchterlonie,
gardener); 2. Mrs Zwilchenbart; 3. H.
Pearce.

Four Varieties Dessert Pears (six of
a kind)— 1. S. S. Walker ; 2. W. Tip-
ping ; 3. Mrs Zwilchenbart.

Best Dish Dessert Pears — 1. E. Bates
(Turner, gardener) ; 2. H. Thomson ; 3.
H. Walker.

Four Varieties Dessert Apples — 1. H.
Littledale ; 2. E. Bates and S. S. Parker
equal ; 3. Rev. W. B. Botfield, Tifnal,
(Barnett, gardener).

Best Dish Dessert Apples — 1. S. S.
Parker; 2. E. Bates; 3. S. H.Thomp-
son.

Eight Varieties Culinary Apples — 1.
E. Bates ; 2. Mrs Harvey ; 3. Earl of
Derby.

Four Varieties Culinary Apples — 1.
Major Blundell ; 2. Colonel Thomson ;
3. H. Pearce.

Best Dish Culinary Apples — 1. Major
Blundell ; 2. R. L. Bolton (Thompson,
gardener) ; 3. H. Pearce.

EXTRAS.

Basket of Plants— Mrs Holt.
Collection of Fruit — C. Rylance.
Rustic Stand of Flowers — 1. R. Duke
(Wade, gardener) ; 2, S. S. Parker.

Collection of Gourds — H. Duckworth
(Jones, gardener).

Tynninghame ]\Iuscat Grapes — Mr
Lees, Tynninghame.

ROYAL CALEDONIAN HORTICITLTUIIAL SOCIETY.

This Society is to hold a grand international fruit and flower show in Edinburgh
on the 8th and 9th of next September, when £500 will be offered in prizes ; and
there is reason to expect that, as a display of fine fruit, it will excel any exhibi-
tion that has preceded it, as nearly all the leading growers in England and Scot-
land will be exhibitors.

We also observe that Dundee is to have a fine exhibition on the 3d and 4th of
the same month.

:869.] NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS. 47

R E V I E T7.

The Gardener's Year-Book, Almanack, and Directory for 1869. By
Egbert Hogg, LL.D., F.L.S., &c. Journal of Horticulture Office, 171
Fleet Street, London.

This work becomes every year more useful and indispensable to all who take
the remotest interest in horticultural pursuits, containing, as it does, descriptive
lists of all the new flowers and fruits introduced during the year that has closed,
monthly calendars containing sound practical directions for the Flower and
Kitchen-Garden, tables bearing on all ruriil matters, and lists of all the principal
seats of the nobility and gentry in the three Kingdoms, with the names of their
gardeners and nearest post towns.

[We deeply regret to be obliged to postpone many valuable communications. —
Ed.]

C. G., Tat Banks. — Your package reached us in good condition. The Dwarf
Mammoth Celery is of first-rate quality ; and as it stands long without running to
seed, it must be a very valuable variety. The stalk of Brussels Sprout is of first-
rate excellence in every respect.

J. F. — The questions you put to us involve so many considerations that we
cannot give them a reply that would satisfy us, or be safe as a guide for you in
the space at our command at this time. Vineries under one man's management
may pay 50 per cent on their cost annually after the first year, while under an-
other's they may not pay for the coal and labour. In these matters so much
depends on proper management, that no estimate that would hold good in ten out
of a hundred cases can be given. "Watch what we shall have to say under the
head of "Fruit Culture," and form your own estimates, or send us your address
and we will write you privately.

Young Amateur. — You say you were much annoyed last summer with red-
spider on your Vines. It was a grand season for red-spider, being so hot and
dry. Peel all the loose bark oif your Vines, Wash them with soap and water
and a hard brush, then paint them over with a mixture composed of 1 quart
water, 1 gill tobacco-water, 3 ounces of sulphur, and a little clay to give the whole
the consistency of paint : before you do this wash every part of the wood and
glass of your Vinery with warm soap and water, and the brick or stone work with
hot lime-wash ; even remove an inch of the surface-soil of the inside border, and
add fresh instead ; do this after you have peeled the loose bark off your Vines,
as many of the larvse will be on the surface of the border. See that your borders
do not suffer for want of water during the summer. Nothing induces attacks of
red-spider more than a dry border and a dry hot atmosphere.

Constant Reader. — Plant your temporary Vines in the border out of their
pots. You should fruit them two or three years to enable you to be merciful
with the permanent ones, and this you cannot do if you keep them in pots.

43 THE GARDENER. [Jan. 1869.

Sir, — Could you or any of your readers of the ' Gardener ' tell me if syringing
trees with water on a frosty night would take off scale. A. G.

[We do not think it will. What say any of our readers? — Ed.]

Sir, — I am desirous of obtaining, through the medium of your interesting
periodical, some information as to the propagation of the Mulberry. A very
fine old tree of this species grows in a courtyard at the back of the house I am
now living in, and it usually bears a large crop of fruit, which this year has been
peculiarly abund.ant and well ripened. Between thirty and forty years ago some
half-dozen young trees were raised by cuttings from this Mulberr^'-tree, and these
are now vigorous young trees, all growing in this neighbourhood ; but, except in
one instance, none of these have ever ripened any fruit. They are covered with
small green Mulberries in the early summer, but these all fall off before they are
half the proper size. I wish much to know the cause of thi?, and if I could raise
any young plants with better success. I enclose my card, and I remain. Sir,

Lancaster, November dd, 1868. A Subscriber.

[Will any of our correspondents reply to this communication? — Ed.]

Dear Sir, — I have a bed (on grass) 80 feet long and about 5 feet wide. I pro-
pose to plant it next year in the manner recommended by Mr Simpson, at page
495 of the last volume of the 'Gardener,' thus: The centre is to be two rows
of Christine ; on each side of it, one row of Variegated Alyssum, with an edging
of Oxalis corniculata next the grass. Now I should be glad if Mr Simpson would
inform me through your columns,

1. Whether he thinks the bed would be too long for the above combination.

2. At what distance in the row he plants the Oxalis? and also at what distance
the line of Oxalis should be from the Alyssum?

3. Does Mr Simpson sow the Oxalis on bottom-heat ?

4. Are two rows of Christine sufficient?

I remain, &c., L. M. N. R.

[Will Mr Simpson kindly reply to our correspondent ? — Ed.]

Would you choose me twenty-four select Herbaceous plants for exhibition —
twelve for June and twelve for August ? — I remain yours, A Constant Reader.

W. L.

The following will suit you: —

June. — Statice latifolia, Aquilegia alpina. Campanula speciosa, Lilium candidum,
(Euothera macrocarpa, Helenium Hooperii, Dictamnus of sorts, Ornithogalum
pyramidale, Anthericum liliastrum, Dielytra spectabilis, Spiraea Aruncus, Lupi-
nus polyphyllus.

August. — Campanula grandis, Tritoma Uvaria v. glaucescens, Achillea Eupa-
torium, Pentstemon speciosus, Statice eximea, Lythrum roseum superbum, Heli-
anthus multiflorus fl. -pi., Lilium chalcedouicum, Eryngium amethystinum,
Delphinum alopecuroides, CEnothera graudiflora, Chrysobactron Hookerii.

THE

GARDENER.

FEBRUARY 1869.

THE ROSE.

{Continued from page 11.)
CHAPTER VII. AEKANGEMENT.

VERY gardener must be an infidel — I am, and I glory in
tlie fact — on the subject of infidelity. The proofs and the
precepts of natural and revealed religion are brought so
frequently and impressively before him, that he cannot
believe in unbelief. He takes a seed, a bulb, a cutting (who made
them*?); he places them in the soil which is most congenial (who
made it f) ; the seed germinates, the bulb spindles, the cutting strikes ;
he tends and waters (but who sends the former and the latter rain ?) ;
and the flower comes forth in glory. Does he say, with the proud
Assyrian, " By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my
wisdom"? Does he not stand the rather, with a reverent wonder, to
consider the Lilies (the Auratum, it may be, the glowing Amaryllid,
or the lovely Eucharis, in robes pure and white as a martyr's), until
the very soul within him rises heavenward, and Manus Turn fecerunt
is his psalm of praise 1

And the truths of Revelation, the histories and the prophecies of the
Older Testament, the miracles and parables of the New, are taught as
constantly and as clearly to the gardener in his daily life. In our
gardens always

" There is a book, who runs may read,
Which heavenly truth imparts ; "

ever reminding us of that Eden wherein were all things pleasant to

D

50 THE GARDENER. [Feb.

the eye and good for food; of Getlisemane, and of tliat garden where
our crucified Lord was laid. What is our love of flowers, our calm
happiness in our gardens, but a dim recollection of our first home in
Paradise, and a yearning for the Land of Promise ! Here in the
wilderness we love to reclaim these green spots from the Brier and
Thorn; to fence and to cleanse; to plant and sow; to sit at eventide,
when work is done, every man under his Vine and under his Fig-tree,
with thankfulness and hope.

With hope, because these our gardens — scenes though they be of
brightest beauty to our eyes, and sources of our purest joys — do not
satisfy, are not meant to satisfy, our heart's desire. Perishable as we
ourselves, for the grass withereth, the flower fadeth, they are, more-
over, like all our handiwork, deformed by fault and flaw. Did you
ever meet a gardener, who, however fair his ground, was absolutely
content and pleased] Did you never hear " 0 si angulus ille!" from
the lord of many fields 1 Is there not always a tree to be felled or a
bed to be turfed? Does not somebody's chimney, or somebody's
ploughed field, persist in obtruding its ugliness? Is there not ever
some grand mistake to be remedied next summer ? Alas ! the florist
never is, but always to be, blessed with a perfect garden ; and to him,
as to all mankind, perfect happiness is that " gay to-morrow of the
mind, which never comes."

These imperfections and mistakes, of course, arise in our gardens
mainly from our own ignorance or indolence ; and as sterility, feeble-
ness, and premature decay are caused not by tree, plant, weather, soil,
but by wrong treatment, position, neglect; so all unsightly combinations,
poverty or excess of objects brought together, rigidity, monotony, un-
gracefulness, originate not from the materials at our disposal, but from
the manner in which we dispose them. And in this matter of a7Tanr/e-
ment we are at the present day conspicuously weak. Never was the
gardener so rich in resources. Our collectors, hazarding their lives,
and losing them in their work of love, have gained us treasures from
every clime. Sadly, like some cemetery tree, does the beautiful
Douglas Pine remind us of him whose name it bears, who sent it to
adorn our homes, and who, searching for fresh prizes, perished miserably,
falling into a pit dug by the Sandwich Islanders for the capture of
wild bulls, and gored to death by one of them. The lovely Lycaste
speaks to us sorrowfully of George Ure Skinner ; and the most striking
of the Marantas (Veitchii), the velvety Begonia Pearcei, with its golden
flowers, his exquisite Gymnostachium, and splendid Sanchezia, of
Richard Pearce, — both of whom died in their harness. These and
others have amplified our shining stores, while our florists at home, by
selection, culture, cross-breeding, and hybridising, have made admirable

1S69.] THE ROSE. 51

improvements and large additions in every dejDartment of tlieir art.
The gardener, nevertheless, with all this wealth and skill, fails signally,
in my eyes, as to the laying out of his garden. He fails, because
he has to a great extent abandoned the English or natural system
for the Italian and Geometrical, because he must have a sensational
garden in spring, summer, and winter. His ancestors — poor floral
fogies ! — looked upon their gardens as quiet resting-places, fair scenes of
refreshment and of health ; and wandering amid these " haunts of
ancient peace,'' they loved the cool grot for contemplation made, or the
sunny walk through the glossy evergreens, in which the throstle sang.
They welcomed their flowers, as ^N'ature sent them, in their seasons ;
they did not upbraid her, nor essay to wake her, when she slept her
winter sleep ; they forgave her deciduous trees. They followed her in
all things as their teacher. They copied her lines, which were rarely
straight, rarely angular; and her surfaces, which were rarely flat.
Said to me a house-painter, whom I watched and praised as he
was cleverly graining one of my doors in imitation of oak,
"Well, sir, I must say I do think myself, that I'm following
up Natur close," and he ran his thumb-nail up a panel swiftly, as
though he would catch her by the heel. So did they reproduce her
graceful features. " I am now," wrote the Czarina to Voltaire in the
year 1772, "wildly in love with the English system of gardening, its
waving lines and gentle declivities ; " and so was all the gardening
world. Sixty years later, in my own childhood, there were in the
garden, before me as I write, and now little more than one subdivided
flower-bed, those bowers and meandering walks — many a pleasant
nook, where the aged might rest, young men and maidens sigh their
love, and happy children play. Ah, what delicious facilities for " I
spy " and for "hide-and-seek," where now there is but scant concealment
for the furtive hungry cat ! What lookings into eyes, what approxi-
mations of lips, where now it w^ould be bragian boldness to squeeze a
body's hand ! I look through the window, and I see the place where,
under drooping branches, we were kings and queens ; where we enter-
tained ambassadors with surreptitious food; where I was crowned with
laurel (the only bit of reality) as the great poet of my day ; and where,
for brilliant service, I was knighted scores of times, on my return from
India, with the handle of our garden-rake ! I see the place — it was
hidden behind the Yew-trees then — where we were so often shipwrecked
upon " Desert Island," and where my youngest sister would never be
induced to have her face adequately grimed for the performance of man
Friday ! I look — but I can see no more ! "A flood of thoughts comes
gushing, and fills mine eyes with tears." The playmates of my youth
—where are they 1 0 doleful memories ! 0 blissful hopes ! 0

52 THE GARDENER. [Feb.

dreadful earthly darkness ! 0 dazzling heavenly light ! The morning
Cometh, as also the night.

But what do I see, as the mist clears ? A garden which, like a
thousand others, has obeyed the command of imperious Fashion, —
Away with your borders, your mounds, and your clumps ! Away
with walks and with grottoes, nooks, corners, and light and shade.
Down with your timber ! To the rubbish-heap with your Lilacs, Labur-
nums, and blossoming trees ! Stub, lay bare, level, and turf ; then
cover the whole by line and measure with a geometrical design. Do
you require examples 1 — Copy your carpet, or the ornaments on your
pork-pie. Then purchase or provide — for the spring, Bulbs by the sack ;
for the summer, Pelargoniums by the million ; for the winter, baby
Evergreens and infant Conifers — brought prematurely from the nursery
into public life, like too many of our precocious children — by the
waggon-load.

I am well aware that the geometrical system, especially w^hen it is
combined with terraces, staircases, balustrades, and edgings of stones,
is very effective and appropriate around our palaces, castles, and other
stately homes. For these it forms a beautiful floor and fringe. It
prevents too sudden a transition from architecture to horticulture.
With the pleasure-grounds around opening upon the park, and with
the general landscape in the distance beyond, the amalgamation of art
and nature is excellent. Nor do I deny for a moment that in all gar-
dens, if introduced in modest and due proportion, it is the most becom-
ing framework for our summer flowers ; but my complaint is, that this
giant Geometry has taken possession of our small gardens not as an
ally, but as an autocrat — ejecting old tenants and dismissing old ser-
vants, like some heartless conceited heir, extruding them disdainfully,
as the usurping cuckoo eggs from a sparrow's nest.

True art hides itself, and every man in laying out a garden
should remember the precept, Ai's est celare artem. He should, more-
over, cause to be painted on his case of mathematical instruments, and
printed largely on the cover of his sketch-book, those two lines, written
by a true gardener and poet (must not every true gardener be a poet,
though it may be of songs without words ?) : —

** He wins all points, who pleasingly confounds,
Surprises, varies, and conceals the bounds."

But what, it may be asked, has all this to do with the Eosary 1
And I answer, Everything, because nowhere is the formal, monoton-
ous, artificial system of arrangement more conspicuously rampant. A
dead level, a set pattern, stars and garters generally encircling the
Rose Temple ! over which the disgusted Rose-trees invariably object to

1869.] THE ROSE. 53

grow. It looks like a dismal aviary from whicli tlie birds have flown ;
but "vyith a little bright paint and gilding externally, and a loud barrel-
organ within, it might form a brilliant lucrative centre-piece for a
merry-go-round at a fair.

When the Rose is grown for exhibition exclusively, the geometrical
system in its simplest form, and minus the temple, is desirable, as
being most convenient to him who purposely sacrifices beauty of
arrangement as regards the general appearance, the tout ensemble, of
his Rose-garden, that he may attain perfection as to size and colour in
the individual flowers. He cannot afi'ord space for numerous varieties,
which, lovely, distinct, and indispensable in the general collection, are
not suitable for the exhibition stage. He admires the Gallicas and
Mosses, Chinas and Bourbons, earnestly, but has only roora for these
in his heart. He must have all his trees so disposed that they may be
readily surveyed, approached, and handled. Specimens of the same
variety must be planted together, that he may quickly compare and
select. Time is most precious on the morning of a show, and
returning to the boxes with a bloom in each hand and a couple
between one's teeth, it is a sore hindrance to remember another tree
at the furthest point of the Rosary which possibly carries the best bloom
of all. Taste in arrangement consists with the exhibitor in the har-
monious grouping of his Roses, not in the gracefulness of his ground
or of his trees. He appeals not to the general public, but to the
connoisseur ; not to the court, but to the judge.

In a Rose-garden not subject to any such restraint — not the drill-
ground of our Queen's Body-Guard, but the holiday assemblage of her
people — no formalism, no flatness, no monotonous repetition, should
prevail. There should the Rose be seen in all her multiform phases
of beauty. There should be beds of Roses, banks of Roses, bowers
of Roses, hedges of Roses, edgings of Roses, pillars of Roses, foun-
tains of Roses, vistas and alleys of the Rose. Now overhead and now
at our feet, there they should creep and climb. New tints, new forms,
new perfumes, should meet us at every turn. Here we come upon a
bed of seedlings so full of interest and of hope. Here is the sunny
spot where we gather, like Virgil's shepherd, the first Rose of spring,

or

" Rosa quo locorum
Sera moretur,"

the last of autumn. Art is here as the meek admiring handmaid
of Nature, gently smoothing her beautiful hair, checking only such
growth as would weaken her flowing ringlets, but never daring to
disfigure with shams and chignons — with pagodas, I mean, and such-
like tea-garden trumpery. Art is here to obey, but not to dictate — to

54 THE GARDENER. [Feb.

work as one who counts sucli service its own reward and honour. If
before the Fall, before the earth brought forth Brier or Thorn, man
was put into a garden to dress it and to keep it, with his will and with
his might must he labour now in that plot of ground where he fain
would realise his fond idea of Eden. He must work hard, but only as
one who copies some great masterpiece — not as one who designs, but
restores. He must keep order, but only as replacing an arrangement
which he has himself disturbed. Thus and thus only he may hope to
make himself a garden

*' "Where order in variety we see,
And where, though all things difTer, all agree."

Were it my privilege to lay out an extensive Rose-garden, I should
desire a piece of broken natural ground, surrounded on all sides but
the south with sloping banks, on which evergreens above should
screen and beautify by contrast the Roses blooming beneath ; and in
the centre I should have, at irregular intervals, mounds high enough
to obstruct the view even of Arba, great among the Anakims, which
would enable me to surj)rise, to vary, and to conceal, according to the
golden rule which I have before quoted. On the level from which
these mounds arose would be the beds and single specimens ; at the
corners my bowers and nooks. All the interior space not occupied by
Roses should be turf — "nothing," writes Lord Bacon, "is more
pleasant to the eye than green grass kept finely shorn" — and this
always broad enough for the easy operations of the mowing-machine,
and for the trailing garments (they don't trail now, but who can tell
what • La Mode ' may ordain next summer ?) of those bright visitors,
the only beings upon earth more beautiful than the Rose itself. And
who can be jealous? Who can grudge them the universal homage
which even in the queenly presence they always claim and win*?
More than once, I must confess, has a remonstrance risen to my
lips which I have not dared to utter. I remember sitting on
a summer's eve contemplating my Roses in the soft light of the
setting sun, and in the society of a sentimental friend, more than
ever sentimental because a daughter of the gods, divinely fair,
had just left us for the house. We sat still and pensive, until
at last I broke a long silence with the involuntary exclamation,
*' Aren't they lovely 1 " " Lovely ! " he replied ; " I hate 'em. She
called that Due de Rohan a darling, and that Senna Tea Vaisse,
or whatever his name is " (he knew it as well as I did), " a darling. I
tell you what, old fellow, if either of these worthies could appear in
the flesh, there is nothing in the world I should like so much as a
tete-a-tete with him in a 24 -foot ring. I flatter myself that I

1869.] CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS. 55

could favour him with a facer, which he couldn't obtain in France.
As for that General Jacqueminot, shouldn't I like to meet him in
action," here he pulled his mustache fiercely, "and to roll him over
on Rupert 1 " — his charger. I bade him light a weed, and hope, but he
didn't seem to relish hoping. Towards the end of the next summer he
came to see me again, with the daughter of the gods in his brougham,
and on the opposite side, in the lap of its nurse, a new " duck," far
dearer to his bride than any Rosebud on earth.

Although the inner walks should be grass, there must be an outer
promenade of gravel, smooth and dry for the thinnest boots, when the
turf is damp with rain or dew, and when the queen wears her dia-
monds of purest water, as in the days of Mary and Anna.

I would have the approaches to a Rosary made purposely obscure
and narrow, that the visitor may come with a sudden gladness and
wonder upon the glowing scene, as the traveller by rail emerges from
the dark tunnel into the brightness of day and a fair landscape ; or as
some dejected whist-player, at the extremity of wretched cards, finds
the ace, king, and queen of trumps !

Although water offered itself in a fair running stream for introduc-
tion into the Rose-garden, I should hesitate timidly as to its admission.
Charming as it would be to see the Roses reflected, like Narcissus, in
such a mirror — to muse upon beauty, like Plato beneath the planes,
which grew by the waters of Ilissus — we should simultaneously
strengthen the cruel power of our fiercest enemy, frost.

Let us now consider, collectively and individually, the various
families of this our royal flower, that we may invite those members
whom we may esteem most worthy to be guests at our feast of Roses.

S. Reynolds Hole.

THE CULTIVATION- OF HARDY FRUITS.

THE PEAR.

( Continued from page 17.)

We now come to treat of the art of grafting, which in passing we may
remind the reader is of very great antiquity. Although we cannot
definitely say to whom the honour of first introducing it belongs, yet
we nevertheless know that it was practised to some extent by the
ancients; but from all we can gather from the writings of these periods,
it would appear to have been but very imperfectly understood and
acted upon. It is referred to by Aristotle and Pliny, as well as seve-
ral of their contemporaries, but must have been practised more from

56 THE GARDENER. [Feb.

curiosity, and to aflford amusement, than from any benefit they ex-
pected to derive from the unions made by them between scion and
stock. How far they succeeded in obtaining practical results from the
unions made, we have been unable to ascertain ; yet we have no san-
guine hopes that the results were great. It is a pleasure to us, how-
ever, to be able to look back through the dark vista of two thousand
years to the cradle-days of a science which is of so much benefit to
the gardening world of the present time.

There are various modes of grafting, but it is purposed to make
reference only to that mode of it which is in most general use for the
Pear when young, and which is known as whip-grafting, or, as it is
sometimes called, tongue or splice grafting. Having in our arrange-
ments generally spoken of the Quince stock before the Pear stock, we
shall treat it first; for although the mechanical operation in both cases is
the same, yet the after-treatment varies to some extent. We shall
surmise that the stocks to be worked have been well grown, and are
not less than H inches in circumference, and have been headed over
in winter to about 6 inches. The scions we also expect to have been
selected from the desired sorts at the pruning season, and that all the
best ripened and strongest of the wood has been reserved for this pur-
pose. This mode of grafting is invariably done in spring — from the
middle of March to the middle of April — but the state of both scion and
stock, as well as the other attending circumstances, must all bear more
or less upon the time when it ought to be done. As a general rule,
we find the first week in April to suit as well as, if not better than, any
time prior to this date, as, generally speaking, the stock is beginning
to be pretty active, while the scion is still in a dormant or semi-torpid
condition, and these we consider the conditions upon which the greater
amount of success depends. This is the very reason which induces us
not to transplant stocks the year of grafting, as, being established in
the ground, they are easier and more quickly excited when spring
comes, and consequently are just as far ahead of the graft as is neces-
sary to insure success. If the stock had been transplanted prior to
this operation, the check sustained would have to be overcome, and
the tree would be longer in showing signs of active vegetation. At
the very least, there ought to be a week between the stock and the
scion, and in proof of this we may refer the reader to what Dr Lindley
has said upon this point, and which in practice we find to be correct.
At page 339 of his 'Theory of Horticulture/ he says : —

The scion should be more backward in its vegetation than the stock, because
it will then be less excitable, otherwise its budsjmay begin to grow before a fit-
ting communication is established between the stock and scion, and the latter
■will be exhausted by its own vigour ; if, on the contrary, the stock is in a state of

1869.] CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS. 57

incipient growth, and the scion torpid, cellular granulations will have time to
form and unite the wound, and the scion will become distended with sap forced
into it from the stock, and thus be able to keep its buds alive when they begin to
shoot into branches. In order to assist in this part of the operation, a ' heel' is
sometimes in difficult cases left on a scion, and inserted into a vessel of water,
until the union has taken place ; or, for the same purpose, the scion is bovxnd
round with loose string or linen, with one end steeped in water, so as to secure a
supply of water to the scion, by the capillary attraction of such a bandage. In-
deed, the ordinary practice of surrounding the scion and stock at the point of
contact with a mass of grafting clay, is intended for the same purpose — that is to
say, to prevent evaporation from the surface of the scion, and to afford a small
supply of moisture ; and hence, among other things, the superiority of clay over
the plasters, mastics, and cements occasionally employed, which simply arrest
perspiration, and can never assist in communicating aqueous food for the scion.

Indeed, the whole secret of success depends upon attending to these
few simple facts — facts so simple that "he who runs may read," learn,
and put into practice with the greatest of confidence.

Almost every one has a mixture of his own, which he terms graft-
ing-wax or grafting-clay, with which he covers over the union between
the scion and the stock. Last spring w^e grafted a considerable num-
ber of Apples, and used nothing else than clay got at a brickwork
near by, and which had been well "milled," and rendered as plastic
as butter ; this we found to answer admirably, as the result proved
equal to our anticipations. Most people, however, introduce some
foreign substance, which has a tendency to prevent cracking. This,
however, is not necessary if the clay is covered with moss and mois-
tened two or three times a-week by a watering-pot with a fine rose.
I intend, however, this spring, when grafting, to introduce a little of
the combings of horses, which, I believe, will make it even unnecessary
to use moss. Mr Thomson, in the ' Gardener's Assistant,' recom-
mends " two parts of clayey loam and one part of cow-dung free from
litter . . . with some fine short tough hay mixed and beaten
up with the cow-dung and clay." Others use horse-dung and clay,
while another party uses a combination of all the three, which we
believe to be the best where a mixture is made, as the horse-dung
will, to a certain extent, prevent cracking, while the cow-dung will
render the whole more plastic where the clay is inclined to be loamy.
Where clay can at all be got we would not recommend "wax," as clay
keeps the scion in a more natural condition than it is possible to obtain
from wax, which only serves the purpose of excluding the air and pre-
venting evaporation without sujDplying that moisture which is so con-
genial to the wellbeing of the graft. I may, however, give a few of
the component parts which diflferent horticulturists have used as graft-
ing-wax. First, bees' wax and tallow, equal parts, laid on warm with

58 THE GARDENER. [Feb.

a painter's brush. Second, four parts pitch, four of resin, two bees'
wax, one of hogs' lard, and one of turpentine, melted and well mixed,
and spread upon paper, which may be cut into strips before being
applied. Du Breuil used two parts Burgundy pitch, two parts black
pitch, one part yellow wax, one part tallow, and one part sifted ashes ;
while Mr Downing made his wax of three parts bees' wax, three of
rosin, and two of tallow ; while he says the wax in general use in
America is composed of equal parts of these three ingredients, and
sometimes with a preponderance of tallow. One or other of these
compositions being ready, let the operator provide himself with a
good sharp knife and a quantity of good soft matting to tie the graft
and stock together. Let him then proceed to cut over the Quince in
a slanting direction, within 2 or 3 inches of the ground, at the same
time endeavouring to obtain a bud at the top of the cut made upon
the stock. The object we have in view in thus endeavouring to have
a bud at the top of the stock, is to induce an upward flow of sap to-
wards the scion, which will have a tendency to hasten the period of
adhesion by the formation of granular: and woody matter. If a
union is formed without this top bud, a considerable part of the upper
portion of the stock will, in all probability, perish — that is to say, it
will die back to a parallel line with the under bud of the scion. Let
a slice now be cut longitudinally, of about 2 inches in length from the
stock, entering gradually from the bottom until it reaches beyond one
fourth of the diameter at the top, on the opposite side from the bud.
It is better that such a cut be made in one pull, as it will therefore
have a smoother and more even surface than if done by repeated cuts.
Next proceed to make a cut downwards for receiving the tongue of
the graft. Enter the knife about half an inch from the top, making
an incision in a slightly oblique direction towards the opposite side of
the stock, until it is about three quarters of an inch in depth. This
finished, take the scion, cut it also longitudinally right through from
one side to the other in a slanting direction, so that a cut surface of
2 inches in length is left ; thereafter, form the tongue by entering
the knife about three quarters of an inch from the bottom, making an
incision to the depth of three quarters of an inch, which shall nearly
fit into the one made upon the stock ; next cut over the scion,
leaving two or three buds above the place of union. Proceed now to
enter the one into the other, pushing the scion down until the bottom
of it reaches the bottom of the cut upon the stock. As is generally
the case, the scion will not be large enough to cover the whole of the
wound upon the stock, therefore be careful to get the outer bark of
the stock and the outer bark of the scion to join neatly together on
one side. Being satisfied that all these things are attended to, take a

1869.] CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS. 59

nice broad soft piece of bast mat, and tie the two tightly together,
being careful, however, not to use more than is absolutely necessary
to keep the graft in its place, as if too much mat is used it will have
a prejudicial effect in keeping back a considerable amount of the
moisture of the clay, which experience has taught us is of so
much benefit to the graft. This being done, cover the whole
over to the depth of an inch or two with clay, or whatever is
being used for covering. As the Pear does not form a union
nearly so readily upon the Quince as the wild Pear, it has been
found to be absolutely necessary to have recourse to what is called
" earthing or banking-up.^' This is done by drawing soil up over the
place of union, and covering the whole save the top buds of the scion,
much in the same way as " earthing-up " culinary crops. By doing
this, the graft is kept in a more genial condition with regard to mois-
ture, tfec, and is thereby enabled to struggle longer for existence. It
will be some considerable time ere the buds show many signs of pro-
gress, but in the interim the bud upon the stock may attempt to push
strong, and if so, it ought to be pinched back to one eye at every attempt,
until the scion begins to push, when it ought to be cut right off, to
throw the whole sap of the stock into the graft. As soon as a few
inches of wood are formed, the clay may be removed and the ligatures
cut off, as they may be getting tight and marking the bark. It will be
better, however, to re-tie them afresh and draw up the earth again to keep
them steady, and enable them better to withstand the action of the
wind, which might very easily break them off, as the union is of a very
slender nature for a considerable time. It will be noticed that our
mode differs in several particulars from that recommended by MTntosh,
Thomson, and Lindley ; but we are of opinion that good grounds can
be shown for adopting our principles. Lindley, in his ' Theory of
Horticulture,' see page 314, gives a sketch of whip-grafting, where the
stock is cut over a considerable distance above the last bud ; and we
therefore reject this portion of his instructions upon the principle laid
down by Thomson, who considers a bud at the top, if not absol-
utely necessary, at least of much practical utility and benefit to the
scion. Again Thomson, in ' Gardener's Assistant,' see page 391, gives
a cut of his mode of whip-grafting, wherein the tongue is very short,
placed near the top of the scion, and entered right at the top of the
stock. From him we also differ in this particular, that we prefer a
long tapering tongue beginning near the bottom of the scion, terminat-
ing near the top of the cut, and which is entered half an inch from
the top of the stock. By performing the operation in this way, we
are of opinion that the graft is firmer and more secure from accident,
while there is a greater surface to form a union, so that when once a

CO THE GARDENER. [Feb.

union is formed it is stronger and better than upon his principles. In
the next place, M'Intosh, in his 'Book of the Garden,' vol. ii. page
330, gives a drawing of his method, where Ave consider he makes the
same mistake as Lindley in neglecting a top bud upon his stock, while
he approaches very near our idea regarding the making of the tongue
and fixing it upon the stock. It will therefore be noticed that we
have adopted something from each of them, which, when put into
execution, differs from them all.

Having spoken thus fully of the grafting on the Quince stock, it
is only necessary to say that, in grafting upon the Pear, the mechanical
operation is identical in so far as the graft and stock are concerned, but
that no " earthing-up " is necessary, as, the Pear being a more natural
stock for the Pear, the union is not nearly so long in forming.
" Earthing-up," however, would not be the least injurious even with
the Pear stock, if from its height it was not impracticable, as it would
be a support and guard against the influence of strong winds.

Unless the stock and scion have been all the stronger, there will
only be one good strong shoot made the first year, which, if intended
for a wall-tree, ought to be cut back to within three eyes at the prun-
ing season. If, however, the stock used is a Quince, it ought to be
cut over about 1 foot from the ground, and the three top eyes en-
couraged to grow the following summer. These will, in all probability,
all push in spring, and ought to be trained upon a trellis, so as to give
them the set necessary for the wall. Let all three branches be trained
in nearly an upright position, so that thereby the flow of sap may be
more equalised and the young tree better balanced, as more of the
future symmetry and general appearance of the tree depend more upon
the first two or three years' management than all the after-training of
future years. It will, hov/ever, entirely depend upon what form of
training is to be followed, in order to determine upon the mode of
pruning to be adopted the second year. We purpose making reference
to the various modes in general use, but preferring as we do the fan to
all other styles for both Pear and Apple — as being the prettiest, the
quickest to fill a given space, and as easy to put into practice as any
of them — we shall take it first. When the pruning season comes
round again, our practice is to cut the centre branch back to within
three buds of its base, leaving the two side-branches from 1 foot to 18
inches in length, according to their strength; and when we make our
cut, we invariably leave the top bud in the front of the branch, while
the second bud, which we expect to form a branch also, is left upon
the upper side. Our reason for so doing is, that when the branch,
w^hich we are now forming, comes to take its place as the horizontal or
bottom branch of the fan, it may have fewer crooks, and appear neater

1869.] CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS. 61

than if cut in any other way. And further, by leaving the second bud
upon the upper part of the branch, it starts and grows in almost the
exact position it will require to take on the tree, so that, when the
pruning season comes the following year, it may be easily placed in
its position without the slightest twisting or injury to its cellular
tissue. In nailing these two branches to the wall, it will be to their
advantage to be laid in at an angle of about 45°, so that they may
receive all the encouragement possible to enable them to make good
strong wood for the following season. During summer, if the tree is
in robust health, it will send up three shoots from the centre branch and
two from each of the two side-branches, thereby giving a nicely-formed
young tree of seven branches. In the winter of this year we recommend
such a tree to be removed to its permanent position upon the wall ; but
if it is desired to keep it another year where it is, it ought to receive a
good root-pruning to induce the formation of fibrous roots, which
alone are the feeding-roots, to check those which are inclined to go
downwards, as well as to prevent rambling, and induce the formation
of fruit-buds. When the tree is placed in its permanent position, it
will be a benefit to it if a few inches of rough stable-dung be placed
over the roots to prevent the action of hard frost upon them, as
well as prevent evaporation, if hot parching weather should set in
before the tree is properly established. Most people do so by placino-
it upon the surface; we, however, prefer placing it a few inches above
the roots, and cover this over with an inch or two of soil, which
answers the purpose equally well, and at the same time looks more
tidy and cleanly. The soil best suited for the Pear will be spoken of
at the end of this chapter, when treating of the formation of borders.
When pruning at this time, we cut the centre shoot back to within 6
inches of its base, leaving the two side ones about 1 or 1 J feet, cutting
apon the same principles as last year, and training them at about 45°
angle. The under branches are laid down to about 25° ; nothing is
taken from the point of them, but the side-shoots upon them are cut
back, just as we have cut the others. In the summer followinf^, if
young wood pushes more than is wanted, we pinch it back to about 2
inches in June, and again in August to about one eye from where its
lateral pushed. In the following winter we cut the centre back to
about the same as the previous year, bringing down the youno^ wood
to about the same angle as before, and lowering each previous year's
wood to the place of its predecessor ; so that, when the operation is
finished, the under branches are horizontal, and in their permanent
places. The tree will now be four years of age from the graft, and
possessing thirteen branches, if we allow that the two under branches
will not do more than make a leader for themselves after we stop

62 THE GARDENER. [Feb.

cutting tlieir points, which, in all probability, will be the case. In
training a fan-tree, our object is to get the wood as evenly disiDersed
all over the tree as possible, so that when the branches, by running at
different angles, exceed 12 inches between each other, we cut so as to
get a young branch to fill up the vacancy, "We still continue the prun-
ing as before, with regard to the centre and side shoots, until we have
as many branches as will fill up the wall — never, however, topping any
branch after it has reached its permanent position, unless the wood is
either soft or watery or unripe, in which case we reduce the branch
until we get good sound wood. The superfluous wood which is made
in summer we pinch as before directed, and in v/inter cut back to
about 1 inch, which is left, and will, in the course of time, form a
fruit-bearing spur, if, in after-pruning, each shoot it may throw out
is cut back to about one eye. Root-pruning we would earnestly
recommend every second year, until the tree get into a good bearing
condition, after which it may not require to be done again for five or
six years. By continuing, however, to root-prune at intervals of five
or six years, the tree will keep more vigorous, bear better, and give
more satisfaction than if left entirely undisturbed.

James ]\I'Millan.

{To he continued.)

JOTTINGS ON THE TULIP.

No. I.

" The Tulip next appeared, all over gay,
But wanton, full of pride, and full of play.
The world can't show a dye but here has place —
Kay, by new mixtures she can change her face.
Purple and gold are both beneath her care,
The richest needlework she loves to wear ;
Her only study is to please the eye,
And to outshine the rest in finery."

So sang the poet Cowley ; and though not very poetical, he is never-
theless very truthful and correct in his description of this beautiful
flower. A bed of Tulips, in their full beauty in the month of May,
bears out in an eminent degree the impression of the poet's song, and
leaves lasting recollections of splendour and gracefulness on the mind
of their devoted and fortunate possessor. With a very different eye
to the poet does the careful and attentive grower look upon his pets.
He repudiates the idea of gaudiness and finery altogether, insinuated
by the poet's description of his choicest treasures. Gay they certainly

1869.] JOTTINGS ON THE TULIP. 63

may be, and though scentless, unlike the Eose and the Violet, yet
the beautiful touches and stripes he beholds in his feathers and
flames sufficiently compensate, in his estimation, for this lacking
virtue. In his humble opinion, it is "a thing of beauty, and a joy
for ever." Though less rare and expensive than they were two
hundred years ago, a good bed of Tulips cannot be, in the present
day, collected together for a moderate sum, when the finest strains
and the newest varieties are expected to be found there. Still, a ten-
pound note, judiciously laid out, will insure a fine display ; leaving it
to the "old dons," who are bent on winning the silver cup at their
next meeting, to spend their five guineas on the latest new one to
make sure of success, which even then may not be realised ; for too
frequently do we see the prize finding its way into the hands of the
careful and watchful grower, rather than into those where " money is
no object."

To look at the prices asked and given for Tulips within the last
thirty years, the five-guinea outlay is, by comparison, a very modest
sum. Groom of Walworth catalogued some of his choicest and rarest
varieties, within my own recollection, at extraordinary sums. For
instance, Victoria Eegina, a feathered Bybloemen, figured at £100,
Nourri EfFendi, a flamed Bizarre, at even a larger sum; and now
these scarcely occupy a place on the bed — Nourri EiFendi, we believe,
proving synonymous with Polyphemus, and Victoria Eegina being far
too tender and truant even to obtain one fine bloom in a dozen. The
finest bloom of this variety we ever had the pleasure of beholding,
was in the flamed state in two instances in the same year, side by
side, and very grand specimens they both certainly were : I thought
myself extremely fortunate in securing one of them ; but, alas for
the fickleness of the whole tribe ! it proved anything but an ornament
on my own bed. I could not but grieve to see such a transition from
good to bad ; but it did not prove my first or last disappointment,
neither did it regain its fine qualifications. Polyphemus may be taken
as the type of a fine Tulip in its exquisite cup, even which Glenny
condemns as being too long. This fine Bizarre, some sixty years ago,
was purchased for the respectable sum of £50; and Mr Clarke of Croy-
don, the celebrated grower, grew a variety called " Fanny Kemble,"
a flamed Bybloemen, which, at his death, was sold for a sum over
£70. This variety is rarely seen on a bed, consequently its repu-
tation cannot be of the highest order ; and I think I might venture
to affirm that Brown's Salvator Eosa would be found more than its
equal. A finer marked flower can scarcely be mentioned than the
latter, or a more constant variety, when a fine strain has been insured.
I may say that my Salvator has cost me twice five guineas, were I to

64 THE GARDENER. [Feb.

put down all the items I liave paid for worthless strains — worthless,
indeed, they proved, even when assured I was purchasing the finest
strains in the world. However, I have at last secured the right one,
as last season fully proved by a most beautiful and unmistakable
bloom. Louis the Sixteenth has held considerable pretensions, if its
price could command them to a place on the bed of every respectable
grower. But I never saw a good bloom of it — being always flamed,
and always dirty in consequence. It is now pretty generally discarded,
I believe, on account of its discoloured bottom, although at one time
it was considered cheap at twenty guineas. There are growers at
present who can boast of possessing a pure strain in the feathered state,
and who state it to be the finest feathered Bybloemen in cultivation.
It is of Dutch origin, I believe, and may have figured amongst those
varieties which are mentioned as having been bought and sold as
bargains at quite fabulous prices. I am intending, in a future paper
— that is, should the Editor be persuaded to admit this rambling effu-
sion— to advocate the raising of seedlings more generally than at pre-
sent ; but I would not for a moment desire to raise the expectations of
those who may be persuaded to make the attemj)t, that they are likely
to obtain such extraordinary sums as the people of Scotland realised for
their seedlings during the Tulipomania of 1634. In one instance,
a Bizarre named Viceroy was sold for a sum equal to £250 ; and we
find recorded Semper Augustus at more than twice that sum ; whilst
Admiral Leifken and Admiral Van der Eyck are more modestly
valued at £125.

When we read of Sir Thomas Gresham drinking a diamond of great
value, dissolved in a glass of wine, to the health of Queen Elizabeth
on the occasion of her opening the Royal Exchange, we find him en-
tirely outdone in extravagance by the sailor who munched up with
his breakfast of a herring the root of the celebrated Semper Augustus,
valued at the time at three thousand florins, and which no doubt
proved more delicious than Sir Thomas's glass of wine.

Omicron.

INSECTS.

If any one were to calculate the labour and expense incurred in one
year in combating those insect pests and diseases which beset the
gardener in every department of the garden, it would be found to be
a very large item, indeed, of the general expenditure. And it is a
question of serious import to the gardener, whether all the scraping,
scrubbing, painting, &c., which has for so long been considered an

1869.] INSECTS. 65

indispensable part of the yearly routine of garden-work, is really so
efficacious as to justify a continuance of such measures. I have a
strong impression that with many the subject is a matter of faith, and
not of experience ; and that they would only be too glad of an excuse
to get rid of their belief, and a labour of the most irksome kind, which
can often be ill afforded. At all events, it was while pondering the
matter over in this light about three years ago, and making a calcu-
lation of the probable time and labour required to clean and dress a
considerable range of vineries and peach-houses, and which could not
be well afforded at the time, that we determined to disregard all advice
and preconceived notions on the subject, and strike out of the usual
track, for a season at least, and risk the consequences. The houses
were of course washed down with the syringe for the sake of clean-
liness, and to remove obstructions to the light; and the Vines and
Peaches, early and late, were tied up after pruning without any cleaning
or washing whatever. The result was that in the following season we
were just as free from spider and thrip as before, and gainers upon the
whole to a considerable extent in time and labour. Since then we
have never dressed either our Vines or Peaches as a protection against
insects, not even cleaning the loose bark off the Vines, except where
actually unsightly ; and the result in every case has always been
perfectly satisfactory : nor have we any intention of doing so again ;
and, I fancy, no amount of reasoning would prevail upon us to alter
our determination, so convinced are we of the needlessness of such
measures. JSTo doubt it will be argued, as an arithmetical question,
that if ten thousand red-spider are destroyed while in the embryo
state in autumn, there will be that number less to contend with in
summer — a very plausible demonstration, I admit, and one which I
am quite willing to leave unanswered. I will only set the practical
experiment against it ; but this I will assert, that even although the
most rigorous system of cleaning had been adopted, it would be an
easy matter to produce the pest with marvellous rapidity. Ked-spider
is worse in some seasons than others ; and it might naturally be ex-
pected to be worse the season following, but such is not the case, for
it as often happens that Vines which have suffered one year are com-
paratively free the next. Through the hot summer which we have
just passed, our Peach-trees have been wonderfully clean. As a rule,
our late vineries are generally quite free from spider ; and in some of
our earlier vineries the Vines retain their leaves healthy and green
long after the fruit is cut and the wood hard and brown.

The above remarks apply chiefly to winter-dressing. We are not
without faith in some specifics, but after trying a good many nostrums,
we have fallen back upon sulphur as our best friend. Applied either

£

66 THE GARDENER. [Feb.

■witli a syringe or a duster, there is no doubt about its efficacy in cases
of mildew, red-spider, or thrip ; but our great panacea for the ills we
have described, and many others, is healthy root-action. We have
great faith in copious waterings, good drainage, and a discreet use of
liquid manure. I am inclined to think that many of the failures
which have been attributed to heated or aerated borders could be
traced to neglect on one or other of these points. I could not say
that I ever saw any noticeable effects produced by sprinkling guano-
water, or ammoniacal liquor of any sort, upon the floor as a preventive
against insects ; but I have not the least doubt about the good effects
of liquid manure when applied to the roots — and it seems to be very
energetic in its action, indeed. Strong doses applied to pot- Vines,
Melons, Cucumbers, or French Beans, that are affected with spider or
thrip, will often eradicate them sooner than anything else.

There seems every reason to believe that insect and parasitical
attacks are, with a few exceptions, a consequence of ill health arising
from some other cause. Keep up the vital energy. Thorough ventila-
tion, full exposure to light, a moderate temperature, judicious watering
and mulching, will effect more than all the scrubbing and painting in
the world. Our Vine-borders here are all well drained. Some are
aerated, and chiefly inside ; but we mulch thickly inside and out, and
are so impressed with the importance of watering copiously, that we
have had our tubs and cisterns raised, so that w^e can run the tepid
w^ater off through a hose on to the border in a copious stream, and
deluge the border in a few minutes. The result is — and I hope I will
be excused for saying so — that the crops are always excellent, and
shanking is quite unknown. The mulching keeps the roots so close
to the surface, especially in the aerated borders, that you can scarcely
shove a pen-knife into the border without bringing a bunch of fibrous
roots to the surface.

It has been argued, somewhat confidently, that spider, green-fly, and
suchlike pests are the natural concomitants of plant-life under any
conditions, and rather undue importance has been attached to the
efficacy of the smoking-pan, the virtues of tobacco, and other measures
of the same kind ; but I would rather not encourage a reliance upon
such auxiliaries, and would be inclined to look upon their too frequent
employment as a sign of bad generalship. One of the most fertile
sources of disease among plants is the crowding those requiring differ-
ent temperatures and modes of cultivation into one house. Many
gardeners and employers insist upon having plants of all kinds,
whether they have accommodation or not ; and into one of the two
extremes they must go — the greenhouse or the warm stove. Where
collections of plants are desired, an intermediate house is indispensable

1869.] INSECTS. 67

— a common ground on which the stove and greenhouse can meet in
summer or in winter ; and what a convenience to the gardener ! But
there are very few places as yet where such a convenience exists, although
its importance is daily becoming more pressing. The plants that will
not grow in a greenhouse, and which would only linger out a miserable
existence in a stove, are too numerous to mention. Mexico, New
Holland, and the Cape would furnish a whole host of the most beau-
tiful and useful plants in cultivation. That gem, the Luculia gra-
tissima, too frequently seen long, lanky, and forlorn-looking in a stove,
or contending for very existence with cold and green-fly in a green-
house, is worth a house itself ; and beside it would flourish many of
the fine Ferns, Orchids, and other plants that are crowded in out-of-
the-way corners in our stoves and greenhouses, not to speak of Oranges,
Palms, Cycads, Begonias, Caladiums, Passion-flowers, Gardenias, and
innumerable others. The New Holland variety of that fine Fern the
Neotopteris, or Bird's-nest Fern, when grown in a stove, where it is
frequently seen grey with thrip, or scrubbed and washed out of its
original beauty and characteristics — a perfect caricature — is a continual
protest against the conditions under which it suffers ; but change it
to the intermediate house, or a sheltered corner of the greenhouse, let
it have plenty of water and shade, and it will take care of itself, and
manifest no disposition to disease. The finest plant of this kind I
ever saw, about 6 feet across, with leaves that almost rivalled in breadth
and substance the Musa Cavendishii, grew in a cool conservatory
beside Camellias, where the winter temperature was seldom above 40°
or 45°. If time permitted, numerous instances could be furnished,
showing that many of the diseases to which plants are subject are the
result of functional derangements, or impaired vital energy arising
from other causes. British Queen Strawberry and its kind are more
subject to spider than others, as also the Frontignac Grapes and other
weak-growing kinds. Black Prince Strawberry, Royal George Peach,
some kinds of Eoses, and certain varieties of the Verbena are very
liable to mildew, as there are others which are peculiarly exempt. And
the same curious and significant facts are observable among various
kinds of Pears, Apples, Plums, and vegetables — as a rule, the weakest
always going to the wall.

J. S. WORTLEY.

68 THE GARDENER. [Feb.

THE KITCHEN-GARDEN.

No. 11.

ASPARAGUS.
(Continued from page 29.)

For mating a permanent j^lantation of Asparagus, tlie deepest, and,
generally speaking, the lightest, soil in the garden should be chosen.
A deep sandy loam is the best. Thorough drainage is a matter of
great importance, and all ground intended for this vegetable, in which
there is the least chance of stagnant water, should be drained to the
depth of 4 feet. Wet rots the fleshy roots in winter, and, of course,
the produce in spring is correspondingly inferior. A heavy dressing
of good manure should be trenched into the soil to the depth of 3 feet,
if the staple will allow of such a depth. Deep manuring is of great
importance, as the greedy rootlets soon shoot downward to the subsoil.
Besides this, another heavy coating of manure should be dug deeply into
the ground after the trenching. When these operations are performed,
the soil requires to be thoroughly well pulverised, and the manure
well incorporated with it. To give young Asparagus a good start, a
dressing of rotten leaves forked into the surface of the ground is
very beneficial. Thus prepared, it is in readiness for receiving the
plants. In some soils, however, the preparation of the soil for Aspara-
gus is a much more serious affair than I have indicated, which, from
its simplicity, is mainly applicable to soils which are light and naturally
suitable to the nature and growth of this vegetable.

In heavy clayey soils, if success for any length of time is to be
attained, it is sometimes necessary to "force" or make up the soil to
a considerable extent, in order to make it sufficiently deep and open.
Where the subsoil is very tenacious and wet, it moreover becomes
necessary, besides ordinary draining, to bottom the beds with broken
stones, brickbats, lime-rubbish, or any open material that will prevent
water from collecting about the roots in winter, which is fatal to good
Asparagus culture. If the heaviest part of the natural soil can be re-
moved, and light sandy soil substituted, it is very desirable to do so.
Under such circumstances, it is a good plan to keep the beds a little
above the ordinary ground level, to make doubly sure of escaping the
evils of wet underneath. I have burned a large proportion of the soil
when it has been heavy, and then mixed it with the best part of the
natural soil, adding leaf-mould and manure, and thoroughly mixing the
whole together ; and in this way have succeeded in growing good As-
paragus without bringing in new soils, where it would have been quite
impracticable to have grown it without some extraordinary preparation.
But, after all, no matter how carefully the ground is prepared, Aspara-

1869.] THE KITCHEN-GARDEN. 69

gus does not succeed so well, under any circumstances, as it does in a
soil naturally suited to it ; and light deep sandy loams, when well
manured, cannot be approached for any length of time by any artificial
made-up soil in localities where the soil and subsoil are clayey and
wet.

In making plantations of Asparagus, some lay out the ground into
4-feet beds, with paths between about 2 feet wide. In each bed three
rows are planted at about 18 inches apart. In preference to this, and
for the production of the finest possible samples, the plan of planting
in rows, 2 feet 9 inches or 3 feet apart, without forming the ground
into beds, is more to be recommended. Apart from this being the
simplest way, the extra room afforded gives far finer produce ; and the
economy of space in the production of so esteemed a vegetable is
questionable policy, for one finely-grown head or shoot is preferable to
three or four spindly tough ones. Closer planting crowds the tops too
much in the growing and ripening season, and, as a consequence, pre-
vents the full development of the crown for another year.

Generally speaking, about the first or second week in April is the
best time to transplant from the seedling rows into the ground where
it is to remain. About this time it will usually have sprung about
an inch ; and although it can be transplanted when very much more
grown, there is less risk of injury just when commencing to grow, and
more chances of its starting into growth without being checked. It is
of great importance in lifting the young plants to preserve the roots
as entire as possible ; and the best way is to take out a trench the
contrary way to that in which the lines run, and undermine the plants,
and disentangle and remove them with as little breakage as possible.
Till planted, they require to be screened from drying sun and winds
by throwing mats over them.

I know of no simpler and better way of planting than that of
stretching a line along the prepared ground, and cutting close to it on
each side in a slanting direction, leaving a ridge like two sides of a
triangle on which the young plants are set, with half their roots on
one side the ridge and half on the other. The depth to which the
cutting on each side of the line must extend is guided by the length
of the roots ; generally speaking, a foot is sufficient. The French
growers of Asparagus, instead of planting on the level, plant in
sunken trenches, which, for a climate like France, is no doubt correct
practice.

Admitting that the crowns are sprung an inch or more, the depth
at which they are placed along the ridge should just be such that the
points of the young growths are covered about an inch when the ground
is levelled up over them. In heavy damp soils the ridge may be

70 THE GARDENER. [Feb.

slightly elevated with advantage. This is easily accomplished by
placing the plants on the ridge at the level of the soil, and then
covering up with the soil which lies between the ridges. Where the
soil is at all unfavourable to the growth of Asparagus, it is well worth
while to prepare some light rich compost with which to cover the
roots and crowns. It helps to start them freely into growth at first.

On light sandy soils it is not advisable to raise the ridges above the
level even in this country, for under such circumstances they are apt
to suffer from drought, and are not so easily watered when this would
be desirable. It is all well in such soils to mulch between and close
up to the rows with dung or partially-decayed leaves. This, in case
of early summer drought, will protect the roots, and render watering
more beneficial when applied.

The planting should never be j^erformed when the ground is wet ;
and it is much better to wait for a dry time, even if the plants should
shoot a few inches, than to work the ground as has been described for
planting, when it is in a wet state. This of course applies with more
force to heavy damp soils. Boards should be laid across the ground,
so that treading on the soil while the operation of planting is going on
be avoided.

As the operation is proceeded with, strong stakes should be driven into
the ground along the rows, and rails of wood nailed along them in the
shape of a fence, about 3| feet high ; the first rail at 18 inches from
the ground, and the other at the top of the stakes. These are intended
for the Asparagus to be tied to, to prevent its being broken by the
wind. Few plants are so easily injured by wind as Asparagus. When
the top gets about a couple of feet high and begins to expand its foliage,
winds lay hold of it and break it off from the ground, and the conse-
quence is the ruination of the stools for another year. Every precau-
tion should therefore be taken to guard against this evil. I have
sometimes, when rails and posts were scarce, staked the rows with
dwarf Pea stakes, which, though unsightly, answer very well.

The summer treatment consists of keeping the ground free from
weeds, and taking care that the plants do not receive a check from
drought. It is a good plan, when the summer proves dry, to give a
good soaking with manure or guano water, and then cover the surface
with litter. I have sometimes used short grass, which, excepting that
it breeds weeds, answers very well.

When quite ripe in autumn the tops should be cut off close to the
ground, the rough part of the mulching material and all weeds removed,
and two inches of good rich manure spread over the whole surface of the
ground, covering the line of plants especially well. Nothing more is
then necessary till spring, when the manure used as a dressing in

1869.] THE KITCHEN-GARDEN. 71

autumn is drawn away from the rows with a rake into the space be-
tween, when it is gently pricked into the soil with a fork, not going
too deep to injure the roots. Before this forking-in process is per-
formed, the soil is drawn back carefully from the crowns and a
dressing of fresh well-spent manure put in its place, and over it the
soil is returned. This should not be to a greater depth than about three
inches, manure and soil together. This winter and spring treatment
applies as much to after years as to the first after planting. The plan
sometimes practised, of throwing out the soil from the alleys on to the
surface of the beds in autumn, serves no purpose, except that of letting
the frost act upon the roots at the sides of the bed. Two or three
inches is covering sufiicient for all purposes, and as this is a vegetable
that is not easily overdone with manure, the best covering is good rich
manure.

If all does well, the second year's growth is a strong one, and every
shoot should be allowed to grow. No good comes of cutting it the
second year, and even the third the cutting should be moderate, and
not continued later than the end of May. Sea-weed forms an excellent
manure for Asparagus in after years, and, where it can be procured, may
be liberally applied as a covering for winter, and also as a mulching in
summer. This, of course, can only be practised on the sea-board,
but common salt is an excellent substitute, and sprinklings of it can be
occasionally applied. And where the soil is really porous and suit-
able for this vegetable, liberal doses of the draining of dung-heaps,
guano, and such stimulants, may be applied regularly in summer with
much benefit.

The French system of putting a heavy covering of earth or manure
over the crowns in spring, with the view of blanching the stalks, cannot
be too severely condemned ; and that which appears in the markets of
London thick and white with a green tip — the only eatable portion — is
as tough and worthless as a piece of sash-line. The blanching by this
process only renders all the blanched portion unfit for using. It is only
when it is nice and green from exposure to light and air that it is eat-
able at all, for no human being can masticate the white parts of it.
When about 6 to 7 inches above ground it is in good order for the
table. In cutting it, some leave a few of the growths from the very
commencement ; but I would recommend to cut all that comes up fit
for table while the season lasts. It is injurious to continue cutting
later than the end of the first week in June — it weakens the crowns,
and in time ruins them.

Asparagus is one of the few vegetables that forces with great ease,
but from the expense of cultivating it and getting it in a good state
for forcing, it will always remain a high-priced vegetable in winter

72 THE GARDENER. [Feb.

and early spring, when it is much prized by all who can procure it.
In some gardens there are beds constructed with hot- water pipes for
bottom and top heat, and with movable glass coverings; the same beds
can be forced for years in succession. The general way of forcing is
to carefully lift 4 or 5-year-old healthy crowns, and to pack them
closely into mild hotbeds of leaves and dung in olden times, but now
more frequently into hot-water pits. It being one of the easiest and
simplest of plants to force, any one who can make a hotbed of leaves or
mamire that will afford a gentle bottom-heat, needs no more in the way
of appliances to have forced Asparagus. The roots are packed close to-
gether, with some fine light rich soil below and about them, and cover-
ing them about an inch. Neither top nor bottom heat must be violent,
or the heads will be weak ; 55° of a night temperature is enough. Light
and air are essential to get nice green colour, and as natural a flavour as
is possible. In spring the lights should be drawn entirely off and air
let in all night. AVhen forcing is regularly carried on, it is of course
necessary to plant as much every year as is required for forcing to
keep up a succession in a good bearing and forcing condition ; other-
wise, a planting of Asparagus on a congenial soil lasts for years.

FRUIT-CULTURE.

THE VINE.

{Continued from p. 22.)

If the position where the border has to be formed is naturally wet,
a set of drains, about 10 feet apart, should be cut across it, and led
into another drain running parallel with the border at its extremity;
the latter should be a little deeper than the others ; all should be cut
at least 1 foot deep in the subsoil, and instead of using the soil cut
out of the drains, for filling in over the pipes, wheel it away, and for
this purpose use any of the following materials that can be most read-
ily procured — brickbats, small stones, gravel, burnt shale, or chalk.
The drain-pipes used should have close-fitting sockets, to prevent the
roots of the Vines getting into them. When the drains are filled in
is the time to consider whether the border is to be heated underneath
by hot-water pipes or not, or if it is to be aerated. The former is quite
unnecessary, unless for Vines that are to be forced very early. The
latter is of importance wherever the soil is of a stiff retentive charac-
ter, or where it may come under the designation of loam, but not
sandy loam. For the latter we think it is of little or no importance
whether the border is aerated or not. As far as known to us, we were

1869.] FRUIT-CULTURE. 73

amongst tlie first to recommend the aerating of Vine-borders from
beneath. We at the time considered it theoretically right to do so in
circumstances such as indicated, and since then we have had ample proof
of its practical value. It is most readily effected by laying a number
of large drain-tiles all over the surface of the bottom of the border,
connecting them by means of upright pipes, say 4 inches in diameter,
with the external air at the extremity of the border, and with the
atmosphere of the Vinery, by means of similar pipes, rising a few
inches above the surface of the inside Vine-border when finished.
The openings of the pipes inside the Vinery being in a higher temper-
ature than those outside, a constant current of air will pass through
the whole pipes under the border, from the external to the internal
atmosphere of the Vinery, aerating the soil from beneath, — the effect
of such aeration being, that the constant supply of oxygen from the
fresh air will decompose the carbonaceous matter in the soil, convert
it into carbonic acid gas, which, combined with water as its vehicle,
enters into the roots of the Vines, ascends into their leaves, where,
under the influence of light, it is decomposed in its turn, the oxygen
liberated into the air, and the carbon fixed in the tissues of the plant.
In support of this theory we may state, that having repeatedly examined
the state of the roots in borders formed on the principle in question,
we have found the interstices amongst the pipes, and even in them, a
complete mass of fine healthy fibrous feeding roots.

It may be objected that in very dry weather a current of dry air would
injure the roots. We do not think so, if tbe border is kept properly
watered ; but during such weather the remedy is an easy one — plug
the mouths of the pipes that come to the surface to supply air to the
pipes underneath.

Having laid down the pipes to effect what we have just described,
fill in around and over them with loose stones or brickbats ; then lay
a course of turf, with the grass side down, and on this wheel in the
soil of the border, but do not wheel over the made-up border : throw
it up as loosely as possible, so that it may have its interstices full of
air, which will hasten the preparation of the various ingredients of
which it is composed for food for the Vines ; and generally such
borders heat a little, which gives newly-planted Vines a rapid start
by setting their roots into action at once. Another benefit resulting
from this system of forming Vine-borders, is the facility with which
superfluous water passes away, or can be detected if it does not by
sounding the upright air-pipes. Where the soil of which the border
is made is of a light sandy character, aeration is by no means necessary,
for all carbonaceous matter in such soil is rapidly decomposed and
prepared for the food of plants, from the facility with which air per-

74 THE GARDENER. [Feb.

meates it in all its parts. In sucli cases, all tliat is necessary is to
drain the subsoil of the border as directed, if it is naturally wet, and
to lay a few inches of lime-rubbish over its surface, then turf and the
soil on it.

The concreting of the bottoms of Vine-borders should only be re-
sorted to where the subsoil is of a very bad character, such as irony
gravel. If it is honest clay or pure gravel or sand, we would not con-
crete, but would rather endeavour by kindness to keep the roots near
the surface of the border, as we hope to show when we come to write
of Vines after they are planted.

We now come to consider the question of covering outside Vine-
borders. This is generally done to effect one or other of three pur-
poses : to prevent the radiation of the heat the border has derived
from the autumn sun ; to warm the border by the application of hot
fermenting material to its surface, such as leaves ajid stable-manure ;
or to throw off heavy falls of rain during the winter.

Of the first of these we thoroughly approve, and to effect it nothing
is more suitable than a few inches in depth of dry fern or leaves,
covered with wooden shutters, laid so as to run the water to the front
of the border and into the drain, which in all circumstances should be
there.

To attempt to heat the border by the application of hot manure
applied to its surface, we consider a mistake, though it is still persisted
in by good Grape -growers. The only excuse we can accept for it is
the absence of the more rational method of applying heat from
beneath. ,

The importance to be attached to covering Vine-borders for the mere
sake of throwing off superfluous rain, very much depends on the rain-
fall in the neighbourhood. In that from which we write, where
it seldom exceeds 30 inches in the year, and where the subsoil is a dry
porous gravel, there is no necessity for covering them for the mere
sake of throwing off rain, nor have we ever covered any of the borders
of houses where the Grapes hang in fine condition till the end of
March, and even April; but the case is different in localities like Green-
ock, for instance, as well as other places that could be named, where
three times the quantity falls in a year. In such situations, even
with good drainage, it is desirable to cover the borders of houses where
late Grapes are hanging, as soon as the autumn rains set in, for which
purpose glass, boards, or tarpaulin may be used. We do not like the
system of concreting the surface of Vine-borders in order to accomplish
this end, which was brought into notice by writers in the ' Gardeners'
Chronicle ' some twenty years ago, for the reason that it in great meas-
ure excludes the beneficial influence of the air from the soil, which

1869.] FRUIT-CULTURE. 75

cannot safely be dispensed with, whether in the flower-pot or the Vine-
border. Gardeners are familiar with the term " sour " when applied
to soil, and which means nothing more than that it has got its particles
so compactly forced together, when wet, that there are no interstices
betwixt them into which the air can force itself and exert its " sweeten-
ing " influence ; hence the importance of aerating Yine-borders by arti-
ficial means, where the soil of which they are formed is at all approach-
ing an adhesive character. W. Thomson.

{To he continued.)

HINTS FOR AMATEURS.— FEBRUARY.

This month, when weather is fine, cropping of ground may in the
smallest garden be fairly commenced. Arrangements, if not already
made, as to how the garden is to be cropped, should be decided upon,
so that a change may be made from what the ground produced last.
The quantity of any kind of vegetable required should be considered,
so that a superabundance of one thing may not be grown, and a defici-
ency of any other crop prevented. Crops which have to be sown early,
and to remain on the ground till late in the autumn or winter, should
be kept together as much as possible ; for instance, ground for Leeks,
Parsnips, Celery, Kale, &c., might form one plot or square. When
cropping is divided into numerous small plots, much confusion and
want of economy must prevail : the more attention given to systematic
arrangement, the less difficulty will be experienced. Sheltered positions
should at present remain unoccupied, but be well worked, and kept in
readiness for early sowings of Cauliflower, Cabbage, Carrot, Lettuce,
Radish, and suchlike. Where there is not the shelter of a wall,
hedge, or other fence, a sloping bank may be thrown up, and a surfac-
ing of fine dry soil placed so that small seeds may have fair play. Pro-
tection from north and east can be given by placing branches thickly
on the cold side ; hoops bent over where mats can be thrown across, is a
useful practice. Endless are the means used for protecting early sow-
ings and crops. When such as Kale, Cabbage, Broccoli, and Brussel
Sprouts are only partially used up, and the remaining portion cannot be
disposed of without cutting short the supply, they may be lifted carefully
with all their roots, and placed in any spare corner thickly together — but
not so much so as to cause rotting — there to remain till they are used; and
protection is also easily given if necessary. The remaining refuse can
be cleared off and the ground prepared for cropping, otherwise the best
opportunities might be lost while the few scattered heads were standing

76 THE GARDENER. [Feb.

till wanted : where there is plenty of ground, such lifting, &:c., is not
necessary. A garden rather small for the demand (if not excessively so)
w^e would prefer to one too extensive for the command of labour, manure,
and other necessaries. If placed in the latter circumstances, we would
plant up a portion with fruit-trees to be kept dwarf ; or if they were not
required, it would be better to form collections of shrubs, or turn the
space into ornament of some kind, rather than allow it to be a harbour
for weeds, which would spread their seed far and near, giving work and
vexation when it might be prevented. A pinch of Cauliflower sown in a
box of clean light soil will give a supply in close succession to those now
under protection. It is a useful practice to lift Cauliflower plants from
frames with their roots entire, and pot them, returning them under
protection ; thus preparing them for planting-out in March, when the
roots reach the sides of the pots. A check given at planting-out time
often results in premature hearting. Drawing the plants up, making
them tender, is another evil to be guarded against, which does more
harm than no protection at all. After such a close mild season, sudden
changes of cold weather may do irreparable mischief when one is off
their guard, the plants never having been fully hardened. Protect
Celery in severe weather, as before directed; in wet localities it may
be lifted and laid in sand, under the roof of a shed or any outhouse.
A pinch of seed may be sown in a pan, pot, or small seed-box, and
placed in a gentle hotbed till it is fairly up; it can be pricked off
singly when fit to handle, and grown on steadily, giving no check,
either from cold, over-heating, dryness, &c., as it would be sure to
** bolt." Where early supplies are not required, sowing may be left
till the end of March. Those who wish to grow Kidney-beans early
in a frame or other structure, may plant five in a small pot, and, when
large enough, they may be shifted into a large size, or planted out in a
prepared bed of soil ; but forcing heat is necessary till the season is
so advanced that sun and covering up at night may give sufficient
warmth. Potatoes, which have been placed in boxes on a little soil,
or on turfs, &c., to sprout, may now be planted in a frame or pit,
keeping the roots entire, and planting them about 3 or 4 inches under
the surface of the soil : a crop of Radishes may be taken off before the
Potatoes require " earthing-up." We often have a crop of Radishes
off the forced Carrot-bed. Radishes, though sown at the same time,
come much quicker into use. Shalots and Garlic may be planted soon ;
if placed singly on the tops of low ridges, and three-fourths of the
bulb covered, they will do well : any dry situation will suit them — 6
inches apart will be wide enough. Chives may be parted and planted
in the herb-ground. They are valued by some as a substitute for
Onion-flavour. If it is desirable to raise Onion-seed, some of the best-

1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 77

formed bulbs sbould be selected, and planted in good ground, with a
good exposure, so tliat riDening early seed may be practicable : that
which is ripened late is generally inferior, and often much is wasted.
The same applies to Leek-seed growing. A bed or a few rows of
Onions may be sown about the third week of the month for early use ;
and if the weather is fine and the ground dry, and otherwise in
order, by the last week of the month the main crop of Onions might
be sown. When they are got in thus early, and other necessary atten-
tion given, they invariably do well ; but we avoid sowing, if possible,
till we can secure a dry mealy surface, and on stiff ground we use fine
dry soil from under cover, treading the whole surface thoroughly, then
drawing drills about 9 inches to 1 foot apart. Very little covering is
necessary; an inch or less will do. The seed should be sown thinly and
regularly along the drills. It is no loss to leave every sixth row unsown,
to prevent breaking the tops when cleaning and surface-stirring are per-
formed. Some still prefer " broadcast " and beds, which is, treading
out alleys 4 feet apart, sprinkling the seed regularly over the surface,
and covering over with soil from the alleys, throwing it regularly to
right and left, then levelling with a rake, and beating the beds firm, or
treading them well. We think this old system inferior in every respect
to sowing in rows ; indeed we seldom use beds for anything now, pre-
ferring rows for everything. Young seedlings do not become so quickly
drawn up, and cleaning is more easily performed. Parsnips may also
be sown at the end of the month. Deep ground is necessary to secure
fine straight roots ; but we find, when the soil is very rich and heavy,
the flavour and keeping qualities are inferior to those grown on poorer
and lighter soil. Rows drawn from 15 to 18 inches apart, and about
2 inches deep, will do ; sprinkle the seed in thinly, or place it in
"pinches" about a foot or 14 inches apart; cover it regularly, tread
moderately, and make the surface fine with a rake, but avoid tearing
up the newly-sown seed. Parsnips still in the ground may be lifted
soon and allowed to become dry on their surfaces ; they may then be
placed in a shed thinly, and some dry straw thrown over them.

Cabbage may be planted when the weather is open and mild ; they
may be planted twice as thick as they are to remain ; every other head
can be cut out for use, and a full crop allowed to remain. However,
the smaller kinds can be planted more thickly than the larger sorts.
Those which form nice hearts with few outside leaves are generally
esteemed. When planting, make drills as for Peas, and plant the larger
kinds a foot each way, so that when the main crop is left they will
stand 2 feet apart each way. The quality of the ground is a guide for
distance. In highly-manured soil the size of Cabbage increases doubly.
In planting all kinds of plants, it is of great importance to press the

78 THE GARDENER. [Feb.

soil to the roots instead of the necks. What is called " hanging " brings
premature seeding, or disappointment in some other form. A pinch
of Cabbage may be sown under protection and treated the same as
Cauliflowers ; but this is seldom necessary where due attention has been
given in autumn to securing a good plantation, and a succession of
young plants in a sheltered position. A succession of Peas may be
sown and repeated every two or three weeks — this can be regulated
only by demand ; a second early kind may be sown to succeed those
that are to be planted out, or what may have been sown last month.
Stake any Peas that are up, first drawing a little of the surface soil
to them, to afford protection. Later in the season " earthing up " is
not necessary. Broad Beans may be sown for a main crop ; 2^ feet
apart will be wide enough for the rows, and 4 inches from set to set.
Early Longpod and Mazagan will answer well. Radishes and Lettuce
may be sown in sheltered early positions : protection with litter, &c., will
be required in times of frost. Rhubarb and Seakale will require attention
to keep up regular supplies. Rhubarb will now grow freely in any struc-
ture where a temperature from 55° to 60° can be maintained ; cellars or
outhouses will answer well, or a large pot or box placed over each
crown in the ground and some warm manure laid above, wdll soon
cause the crowns to start. Roots wliich have been lifted may be kept
free from frost after they have been forced : they can be reduced and
planted in prepared ground next month, protecting the crowns with
dry litter ; in two years' time the same roots would be again ready for
lifting to force. The trimmings of Seakale-roots should be saved in a
little sand, to form new plantations next month. Pieces about 4 inches
long, planted 2 feet one way and 1 foot the other, would make useful
roots for forcing in two years hence. If Mushrooms are only grown
in sheds or open ground, thick coverings of hay or straw are neces-
sary to keep in the heat and out frost. At the base of a wall facing the
south is a good position for forming beds ; the droppings should be
thrown up sloping from the wall, and the whole bed made thoroughly
firm ; and when heat is moderate the spaw'n may be placed 9 inches or
a foot apart, using it about the size of pigeons' or hens' eggs, and an
inch or two below the surface of the dung is deep enough. Make the
beds smooth, and spread 2 inches of good loam over the surface of the
bed about a week after it is made, patting it firm and smooth with the
back of a spade, then protect with the litter or hay. Walks may be
turned, well trodden down, levelled with the back of a rake, and well
rolled ; this will keep them clean and smooth for a long time : gravel
that does not bind cannot be treated so : such walks as have to be hoed
and raked are always unsightly and unpleasant to walk on. Trees yet
unpruned should be attended to at once, and the proper fastening

1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 79

given, as formerly advised. Any appearance of suckers should not be
neglected, but they should be cut off clean ; if only shortened, they
would come up in greater force. Hard paths over the roots of trees
may be slightly forked up and a good dressing of manure given ; but if
the trees are vigorous, the less stimulant they receive the better.
Peaches and Nectarines which have been unfastened and kept away
from the walls may still remain as they are, but if their flower-buds
are expanding from the mildness of the season, tying up cannot be
longer delayed. It is very common to see these trees overcrowded with
young wood ; that evil should be guarded against, as its effects are much
against successful fruit-growing. When trees are very thickly studded with
fruit-buds and the wood weakly, a good crop is very uncertain : to help
this the buds might be well thinned out, leaving those most prominent
standing singly. A boarded coping, projecting a foot or more from the
top of the wall, is of great service by keeping the trees dry : these boards
should be portable, so that they can be taken off in summer to allow
the dews and rains to fall on the leaves. Old trees may be renovated
by taking off a quantity of soil from the surface of roots and replacing it
with good loam, crushed bones, and a little rotten manure well mixed.
Where lawns are covered with moss and the grass inferior, and. weeds
likely to take possession, a mixture of lime, loam, and a little well-de-
cayed manure thoroughly turned and broken, may be spread over the
surface, and once or twice in the course of the month a rake may
be used freely to level the dressing and to make it fine ; and if
plenty of young grass does not make its appearance by the beginning
of April, a dusting of seed may be given, making the surface smooth ;
and when all is growing freely the roller may be used. Shrubberies
should now be all clean, as leaves would keep blowing out all the sea-
son ; but if a dressing of any common soil can be thrown over the leaves
to keep them in their place, the dressing would be of great service in
promoting free growth. Deeply digging among the roots of shrubs is
a very injurious practice. Rhododendrons, especially of the Noblei-
anum kind, will be flowering. If stakes and mats could be used to keep
out severe frost and off heavy rains, shrubberies might be kept gay for
a long time. Some of the early kinds of Rhododendrons have been
more or less in flower here all the winter ; some of them (January 12th)
are very fine, with hundreds of blossoms out and expanding. Tansies
are also blooming freely ; Wallflowers, Polyanthus, and Roses are plen-
tiful. The two latter are very useful in pots where glass protection
is limited. Deutzias and Lilacs in pots, which have been previously
forced, are making growth out of doors where litter has been thrown
over them during late frosts. Lily of the Valley forces remarkably
easy this season ; we have had a good supply since Christmas, by intro-

80 THE GARDENER. [Feb.

ducing a dozen or two of pots into Leat every ten or twelve days. Few
exotics have the charm that many of the most simple flowers possess.
Sweetbriar forced into leaf at present is valuable for its scent : Violets
are favourites with every one. The most of the above we see in the
possession of some cottagers, who can be cheered with flowers in the
short days as well as in summer. Dahlias to supply cuttings may be
potted and placed in a little heat. When the shoots have grown an
inch or two they can be placed in sandy soil, one in the centre of a
very small pot, and plunged in a hotbed ; they will soon root if a heel
for each cutting has been secured. All bulbs, Pinks, Pansies, and
other hardy plants in pots, require the same care as last month ; plants
to supply cuttings for bedding-out may now be brought on in heat.

M. T.

AT3"OTHER CHAPTER OW THE VIT^.

The culture of the Vine still appears to be a great mystery, and the
more the subject is discussed the more mysterious it becomes, at any
rate the wider do opinions differ. On the one hand we are told that
Grapes, even Muscats, have been grown during the past year in the
open air in England quite equal to hothouse Grapes, not to speak of
those grown in that tempting marvel, the ground-vinery, or in orchard-
houses. On the other hand, we read of elaborate architectural appli-
ances being necessary for the purpose — drains for air and water,
chambers for pipes and hot air; indeed, a whole series of tunnels
under the borders, to tempt the roots downwards, which again must
be concreted to prevent the roots getting down. Then the super-
structure of the vinery and its adjuncts are only limited in design
and magnitude by the purse, ingenuity, or fancy of the architect.
It appears that the humblest may grow Grapes with the simplest
means, while the richest cannot always succeed with unbounded
facilities. The culture of the Vine is like the cure of souls ; while
the humblest and most rustic of sinners secures heaven in obscure
and simple humility, ground- vinery fashion, others miss the goal even
"with the help of whole epics of architecture and holy machinery.
Now the whole system, in both cases, is capable of defence. We will
not quarrel with any of its parts, the Avhole is good; various circum-
stances demand various appliances to attain an end in itself simple.
We often hear reference made to the culture of the Vine as practised
abroad, and we are sometimes directed to look to France, Germany,
or Italy for lessons as to soil and pruning ; and it would be easy for
the votary of any one mode of culture to pick out instances in support

1869.] ANOTHER CHAPTER ON THE VINE. 81

of that system from the modes adopted on the Continent, but it must
be borne in mind that even those systems are artificial, and adapted to
suit circumstances of soil and climate; none of them are suggestions
from nature.

The Vine seems cosmopolitan in the temperate zone; it turns np in
odd places from Bury St Edmunds and Asia Minor to the forests of
North America and the antipodes ; the line of perfection hovering
about the 39th degree of north latitude, if we take the quality of the
juice as the criterion for the quality of the fruit. Bearing this in
mind, we have a strong suspicion of English-made wine, pure and
unadulterated, although we never tasted any. A little more south-
ward, and we reach the range of the rascally vin ordinaire, so cheap
about Paris as the northern limit to wine production, of course with
fluctuation as to locality, as in the instance of the thin but sparkling
Rhenish wines. Southwards to Bordeaux, and improved climate and
claret appear ; then over the Pyrenees to the land of sherry and port,
until the climax of quality is reached in the home of Don Quixote.

We hear of the Vines on the Rhine being low bushes planted on
the brashy hill-sides, which is necessary to get every advantage of the
sun's rays in that northern limit; but that does not prove that Vines
should always be planted in brashy soil. The roots must be exposed
to much wet and cold in winter, and altogether their vitality must
be low. Step a few degrees farther south to Lombardy, where we
were lately told of the Vines being allowed to run high on poles, and
planted on the flat land little removed from bog ; indeed, the soil is
often raised to keep the crops above the water-level, it being impos-
sible to quite drain the low flat lands, reminding us of a peat -bog or
the fens of Lincolnshire. But then the Vine enjoys a much higher
degree of heat than on the Rhine, and being a thirsty plant under
those circumstances, it has unlimited moisture at the root and a deep
soil.

We hear also of the Vine growing to an enormous size on the low
flat country lying between the Black Sea and the Caspian, a country
of crooked rivers and inland lakes, which geologists say was once
ducked under the sea, and barely lifted out again in the days of
Noah, and has been in a draggled state ever since ; too moist for
corn, but the home of the Vine, where the heat and moisture are
excessive in summer, the winter equalling our own in severity.

It is clear that the Vine luxuriates in a deep rich soil with abun-
dance of moisture, and when in such condition can enjoy a very high
temperature with abundant circulation in the air. It appears also that
the Vine, growing in a temperate climate in a deep moist soil, does
not suggest a very high degree of heat at the root at any time, until,

F

82 THE GARDENER. [Feb.

at least, the ripening process commences, when the ground may be sup-
posed to be becoming exhausted of much of its moisture. Indeed, it
appears the Vine \vill stand just as much cold at the root as any
deciduous tree, and rain as well. Stagnant wet will injure it, just as
it will injure the roots of a Beech-tree ; the many aged Vines found
throughout the country prove this. The one great want seems to be
a higher and drier temperature in autumn to ripen the wood of the
Vine under culture in this country, but with a constant undiminished
supply of food at the root. Shallow dry borders are accompanied with
red-spider, or even a very porous light border on gravel, though it may
be deep ; and red-spider means poverty in the plant. But to turn
round and look at the subject through the medium of practice and its
suggestions, what has all this got to do with the forcing of Grapes'? it
may be asked. Well, it has got everything to do with it. And it
occurs to us, in the first instance, that it tends to show that the dry
heat from hot- water pipes below a Vine-border is not just a rational,
a natural, or necessary application. Looking at the Vine in its
natural state, the roots do not appear to be decoyed downwards by
earth-heat, but upwards by sun-heat to the surface, to be benefited by
nature's annual top-dressing of fallen leaves.

We have forced the same vinery for eight years, and cut Grapes
annually in April, sometimes on the first day of the month. The
roots are, both out and inside, about equal, and no heat is applied,
except what the surface of the border inside absorbs from the atmos-
phere of the house, — if we except also that the pipes are close to
the surface of the border. Iso spade or fork has touched the borders
for years, but an annual top-dressing is given in the autumn before
forcing, the outside border simply covered with a foot of litter, and
wooden shutters over all ; and the results prove that no further under-
ground heating is necessary. The inside border is so full of roots that
it cannot be overdone with water when the Vines are full of foliage.
We must, however, plead guilty to another house with the border
entirely surrounded with pipes, though not underneath, and uncon-
fined except on one side — the heat reaching the border in a lateral
direction. We do not see much advantage from the arrangement,
but indeed a greater tax on our attention in the matter of watering.
From the facility with which the border can be dried in autumn, the
wood at pruning is harder than that of the other Vines, and a Bar-
barossa fruits as freely as the Hambros.

It is difficult to understand on Avhat natural or physiological prin-
ciple the aeration of Vine-borders is either beneficial or necessary; we
suspect the whole thing is a misnomer, and that it is simply drainage.
We should like it explained on what principle a current of air filtering

1869.] ANOTHER CHAPTER ON THE VINE. 83

through a border, if it really does so, is beneficial to the roots ; cer-
tainly we have nothing of the sort in any of nature's fruit-borders.
We liold that the soil should be firm and compact about the roots of
all fruit-bearing trees and plants, let it be Apricots, Pears, or Pines,
and Strawberries, and even our Vine-borders, provided the soil com-
posing them be of the proper mechanical texture ; we abhor, of all
things, to be potching in our Vine -borders, and a compact soil is
incompatible with aeration, but not with drainage. What is called
aeration we conceive would be of great benefit in a damp and dropsical
climate, where the borders would readily get saturated and soapy
under the influence of heavy rain-fall. But what would be said to
" aerated " borders on a gravelly soil on the east coast, or even
thoroughly- drained borders on any bottom, where, as a rule, much
artificial watering is necessary 1 We know from abundance of ex-
perience that aeration, such as is found beneficial on the dripping
west coast, would be a long way worse than useless on the droughty east
coast, especially on light and naturally dry soils. Last season, in spite
of mulching and all the watering we were able to apply, our borders
got aerated very much more than we liked. Indeed, mulching, and
especially watering, is a very heavy item of our labour, and we know
from experience over more than one place on the west coast that such is
superfluous. Large Grapes (we mean berries) are the result of plenty
of feeding, either naturally through the medium of rain in a rich border,
or by the artificial application of liquid in some other form. No doubt
there are cases where, from the position of the borders naturally or
artificially placed, aeration and heating would be almost a necessity —
as, for instance, at Welbeck, where the borders are curiously sunk so
low beneath the general surface out of reach of the sun's rays, and in
an inland and elevated locality where the rainfall is abundant ; but
that only points more clearly to the superior arrangement of having
the borders entirely above the surface and unheated, as at Garston.
We are told that heated borders must be successful if well managed,
and if they fail it must be the fault of the gardener. The bulk of the
finest Grapes in the country are grown in unheated borders. We
would incline to reverse the above charge, and say that the gardener
who could not grow good Grapes without the questionable assistance
of pipes for bottom-heat, had something to learn or unlearn. Inside
borders for very early and very late Grapes are proved to be sufficient
when well managed, for the Vine does not really require a high de-
gree of heat at the root. For summer and autumn Grapes the outside
border being elevated is also sufficient, which no one will dispute ; but
the elevation is rather to secure dryness in the border in autumn than
for the advantage supposed to be derived from higher temperature.

84 THE GARDENER. [Feb.

One word about temperature in the atmosphere of the vinery. If
the Vine is supplied with a steady and abundant supply of food and
moisture at the root, a high indoor temperature is most beneficial, but
it must be attended with free circulation of air. If the Vine is a gross
feeder, it has also a wonderful digestion, and under high pressure
will store up an amazing amount of stamina for future produce. That
it will ripen its fruit sometimes in favoured parts of England, does not
prove that it also ripens its wood sufficient to withstand, say a Crimean
winter. What is the summer temperature of Malaga, or of the valley
of Jericho, where the spies found the large clusters, or the borders of
the Caspian? we suspect our vineries seldom approach those localities
in their aggregate of summer heat or even moisture. And yet the Vine
is not a tropical plant. We never could exactly understand putting
the Vine to rest, or ripening its wood by exposing its branches to our
summer and autumn weather. We may stop its growth by cold, but
that is not putting a Vine to rest; and we suspect that is at the bottom
of early-forced Vines starting prematurely in autumn. We find those
Vines which go to rest with their wood matured with strong heat,
have the least tendency to start prematurely ; indeed, are the slowest
to move under forcing. But if the Vine has lost its foliage through
red-spider or any other cause, it is hopeless to put it to rest by the
high-temperature process. Recourse, under these circumstances, must
be had to cool treatment and a short supply of fruit the following
season. The Squiee's Gardener.

]SrEW PLAISTTS OF THE PAST MONTH.

At this season of the year, Orchids mainly represent the new plants that
come under notice. At the meeting of the Floral Committee on the
15th of December, Messrs Veitch & Sons received first-class certificates
for Pleione humilis which, though not altogether new, is yet a very
pretty species, somewhat paler in colour than the forms usually seen,
and somewhat later in blooming ; and for Masdevallia Candida, a mem-
ber of the group of cool Orchids, and, like the foregoing, not new, as
it was shown in flower some seven or eight years ago. It is a rare
species notwithstanding, and has pretty pure white semi-transparent
flowers that are pleasantly fragrant, while as a plant it is a good grower
and increases rapidly. To Dr Rogers, of East Grinstead, was awarded
a first-class certificate for Oncidium Rogersii, perhaps the largest flower-
ing Oncid ever seen ; supposed by some to be a very fine variety of
0. bifolium, but nevertheless specifically named as above. It has

1869.] NEW PLANTS OF THE PAST MONTH. 85

flowers formed of an immense golden lip with a small orange-tinted
column ; quite distinct in character, and very fine and showy.

A second-class certificate was also awarded to Messrs Veitch & Sons,
for Dendrobium Fytchianum, a very pretty species, with an erect habit
of growth, producing pure white flowers with rosy purple centres, very
showy and appearing to be free blooming, as a small plant had two
good spikes of flowers.

Besides these there were a good quantity of Orchids present, fore-
most among which was a splendid example of Loelia autumnalis, from
S. Rucker, Esq., respecting which Mr Bateman said he had never
before "seen so beautiful a specimen," and he regarded it as being
even superior to Loelia grandiflora, which was exhibited last year by
Mr Anderson of Meadow Bank. Hitherto growers of this magnificent
species have had to contend with a tendency on the part of the flower
to damp ofi"; and it would seem as if this example had been grown
both in a drier and lower temperature than is generally allotted to it.
Mr Rucker also sent a glorious specimen of Epidendrum Vitellinum
majus, rich in rare beauty, and of especial value because of the dura-
bility of the flowers. Mr Bull had a plant of Cypripedium caudatum
in bloom, a somewhat unusual circumstance at this season of the year,
and it was thought not impossible to have it in bloom all the year
round. Mr B. S. Williams had grand specimens of Angreecum pellu-
cidum, having several pale-coloured racemes of flowers, a good-looking
plant, and finely grown ; and A. Eburneum, var. superbum, with some
fine spikes of bloom.

A new and very curious-looking Richardia, named Melanoleuca,
from the Port-Natal district of Africa, was exhibited by Mr W. Bull,
and received a first-class certificate. It was scarcely in good condi-
tion to judge of its merits, having the appearance of being prematurely
forced into bloom, giving the foliage a weakly appearance. It had a
short recurved sulphur- coloured spathe, deep purplish black at the base,
and running upwards about three-quarters of an inch, and a small
golden spadix ; the leaves are borne on pale-green and slightly hirsute
stems, which are covered with small pale blotches.

A noble and beautiful Palm, named Geonoma Seemanni, was also
exhibited by Mr Bull, and received a first-class certificate. It has a
singularly handsome habit, and cannot fail to become a first favourite
among these attractive plants. Mr Parker of Tooting exhibited a
plant of his new Ixora amabilis, which is shortly to be distributed ;
Mr Tanton, a plant of the notorious AUamanda Wardleiana in flower,
and cut flowers of the same to show its winter-blooming qualities ; and
Mr BuU, a flower of Lasiandra macrantha, by way of demonstrating
that it will bloom from March till December.

86 • -- THE GARDENER. [Feb.

A group of Weatherill's hybrid Solanums came from both Mr
Weatherill of Hornsey and Mr B. S. Williams of Holloway. They
are such marked improvements on the old forms of S, pseudo-capsicum
and S. capsicastrum, that they will be certain to be much sought after
for winter decoration of houses. In style of growth, as well as in
shape of berry, they also vary ; so there is not such a sameness about
them as might be supposed. It will be remembered that last year
some first-class certificates were awarded to three or four distinct
types. A first-class certificate was awarded to Mr Weatherill for one
of the finest forms of a pale-coloured single Primula sinensis fimbriata
ever seen, and named Wonderful. The flowers were white, distinctly
edged, and suffused with rose, and had a showy yellow centre ; the
pips were astonishingly large, measuring nearly 2h inches in diameter,
and the texture unusually stout. It will form a fine strain if it can
be perpetuated by seed. R. D.

GARDEN REQUISITES.

standen's gardener's and amateur's friend, and fowler's

insecticide.

In the columns of a garden periodical, that, like the * Gardener,' circu-
lates so extensively among the amateur element of horticulture, there
is a necessity for information in regard to the merits or demerits of
many of those things that, comprehended under the general term
"garden requisites," are pressed upon the notice of the amateur horti-
culturists by those whose business it is to vend them. At the head of
this paper I have placed two of these things, the wliich I have tried for
some time past, and to the excellence of both of which I can speak in
terms of unqualified approval. The first named is a patent manure,
manufactured by Mr B. Standen of East Greenwich, and sold in can-
isters in a pulverised form. It is so issued as that it can be adapted
both to the requirements of hard-wooded and soft-wooded plants in
pots ; while it is so easy of application as to admit of its being done with,
the greatest facility. My use of it has been confined to soft-wooded
plants, and succulent things, like Hyacinths, I^arcissi, &c., in pots, and
to many things in the open ground, and especially Roses. In apply-
ing it to plants in pots, it is simply necessary to lay a little of the
powder on the surface of the soil, allowing it to be washed into it
when water is applied in the ordinary form. It should not touch the
foliage, as it would appear to be capable of doing it injury. Hya-
cinths and other bulbs, Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, Calceolarias, have
become wonderfully invigorated under its influence — affecting foliage

1869.] GARDEN REQUISITES. 87

and flowers alike in the most beneficent manner. Out of doors I have
found it exercise a like influence for good on Roses. I have to plant
on a clay soil, which soon eats up, as it were, any manure that may be
applied to it, and in dry weather I have given at intervals a little of
this manure, and the effect has been remarkable ; increased vigour,
fineness and richness of flower, and prolonged bloom have surely suc-
ceeded. I have also witnessed its beneficial influence on hard-wooded
plants in an even more remarkable manner. A friend of mine pur-
chased some old Orange-trees in boxes, that were, when they came into
his possession, almost shapeless trunks, devoid of foliage, the leafless
branches appearing to be quite paralysed for want of stimulus. I thought
these almost barren trees offered a good opportunity to test the invigor-
ating value of this manure, and a few applications converted mere
trunks in due time into healthy trees, redundant with foliage, and they
are now ornaments in my friend's conservatory. This is but one of
several instances in which I have intently watched the issue of a trial
of this agent, and saw in the result the most desired effects visible.
Only a few days ago, when walking through the Ashburnham Park
Nursery, at Chelsea, with the manager, Mr John Wills, late of
Huntroyde Gardens, Burnley, I was much struck with the healthy
appearance of a number of quarter-specimen Azaleas, in such vigorous
growth as to present an aspect I had failed to perceive elsewhere.
•'That," said Mr Wills, "is entirely owing to Standen's Manure. A
year ago those plants were in wretched condition. I gave them, dur-
ing the past summer, several applications of the manure, just placing
it on the surface of the soil, when it was carried to the roots at the
time water was applied, and behold the result." I need scarcely say
that Mr Wills is a firm believer in the merits of the manure. I can
honestly commend it to the attention of all amateur horticulturists,
especially as it is by no means extravagant in price.

Fowler's Gardener's Insecticide is a composition for the purpose of
destroying greenfly, &c., on plants. This it does most effectually,
and it is the only thing I use in my out-door garden for the purpose.
A stated quantity is dissolved in boiling water, and when it has cooled
down to a temperature of about 80 degrees, the shoots affected with
thrip, greenfly, or aphis, are bent down and immersed in the solution,
and immediate death is the result. It is also a real amateur's friend,
and it is so easy of application as that a lady could do it readily.
Whether it will also destroy the scale and mealy bug, I cannot say ;
it is asserted to do so Be this as it may, as a destroyer of greenfly
and its allies, it should be classed among the necessary requisites of
an amateur horticulturist. Richard Dean.

88 THE GARDENER. [Feb.

THE ROSE IN POTS.

The following remarks on the cultivation of the Rose in pots may
not be considered entirely out of place at the present time, the
object in view being to direct attention to the capabilities of the Rose
as a pot plant 'for early forcing. Grand as is the royal Rose when in
the full glow of her midsummer glory she dazzles the eye with her
brilliant colours and loads the air with her grateful perfume, she
possesses a beauty more sweet and delicate when forced in early
spring : how fresh the foliage, how sweet the bloom, how we watch
the first buds unfold, and how our lady employers hail their appear-
ance ! Their colour, form, and fragrance, all go to make them fast and
first favourites with the ladies. The cultivation of the Rose in pots,
although greatly improved, as seen at our spring exhibitions of last
year, is still far from what it is capable of attaining to. That it
blooms at all under the treatment it too often receives is a matter of
wonder ; for how often during the summer are they to be found in
any and all situations save a suitable one ? sometimes burned up in
the sun and overrun with insects, or, worse still, stowed away into
some corner as if to avoid both sun and air, until they may be
wanted again to do duty in the forcing-house — at least such of them
as may be hkely to reward the forcing process with a few blooms —
the vacancies in their ranks by death in consequence of such treat-
ment being made up from the open borders, sometimes from the
nurserymen. In the course of our own experience with pot Roses,
we have found them amply to repay even a very little attention, but
they must have this attention before coming into the forcing-house,
starting in February with a few healthy plants wliicli have been un-
der cover all the winter (we prefer them on their own roots when
intended for specimen plants for pot culture). "We first cut away all
the small spray and shorten the stronger growths to five or six eyes,
endeavouring to lay the foundation of a well-balanced plant. If their
pots be well filled with roots, give them a shift into a size larger pot,
using a compost of one-half fibry loam, one-half old hotbed manure,
with a little river sand added. Have them taken into the forcing-house,
which may be a pit or early vinery; and where fermenting material is
used to assist in breaking the Vines in the latter structure, we have
found it answer well to plunge their pots in this until they have broken
regularly into growth. If any other structure be available where
they can have more light and air than in a vinery, it is to be pre-
ferred • if not, give them as light and airy a position in the vinery as
possible. Dust the pots with sulphur, and should any become affected
with mildew, have them removed from the others. When they have

1869.] THE ROSE IN POTS. 89

made a few inches' growth, rub off any small weakly shoots that may
he coming away ; tie the shoots into position, and use the syringe
freely, and by the end of March they will be coming into bloom,
when they may be removed to a warm greenhouse. When done
blooming, early in May prune them, as before recommended; give
them a slight start in heat ; when broken into growth remove
them to any light airy place that may be available, carefully
attending to them with water, giving them liquid maniu'e twice
a -week at least, Eemove the flower-buds as they appear, and
endeavour to get them into a good pyramidal form by tying the
shoots as they advance in gro^i:h. They should be shifted when
done blooming in April into a compost of good fibry loam, with a
little leaf-mould and year-old cow-dung added. If they be wanted
for early work next season they should be allowed to get drier by the
end of September and be pruned, cutting them to four or five eyes ;
and weakly shoots cut away as before. If obliged to turn them out of
doors during the summer, have the pots plunged and as much
exposed to the sun as possible, making them secure against wind;
have them all housed again by the end of September if possible. At
this time a few may b)e selected that are showing for bloom, and,
slightly encouraged, they will come in during November and December,
and be of great service at that season. In this way they will be
found to bloom finer each successive season, and in a fcAv years
produce results worth much more than the little trouble expended on
the plants yearly. Insects must not be allowed to gain a footing on
the plants at any period, but be destroyed on their first appearance by
fumigation or otherwise. Some sorts are subject to mildew, especially
when in a moist close atmosphere ; in such a case give them a good
sprinkling of sulphur, and keep any of them affected away from the
others. We will not attempt to enter into the merits of varieties in
this short paper, merely remarking that those sorts found to be of
robust growth and free ffowerers out of doors are good for pot-culture ;
that in the Tea section, most of which are delicate subjects out of doors
in our northern clime, we have subjects of rare beauty treated in
this way in pots. We have had plants of Souvenir d'une ami,
Devoniensis, Madam Villermoz, &c. &c., in flower in December and
January in a show-house among Camelias, Cinerarias, with other hard
and soft wooded plants in flower, and the Roses were most admired
by both employers and visitors. At this time of the year it is
surprising how long the individual blooms last if damp is guarded
against. In Marshal Niel the growers of pot -Roses have got a grand
acquisition, being both free of gro^vth and of flower. We would here
venture to assert that there are very few employers who, if once

90 THE GARDENER. [Feb.

served with pot-Roses, in even moderate condition, during the early
spring, but woukl look for them as eagerly during that season as for
their pans full of gaudy Dutch bulbs or their glowing bushes of
gorgeous Azaleas, among which the Rose may be placed and still
retain her proud title of Queen of Flowers.

Should the above remarks be the means of drawing the attention
of any to the cultivation of the Rose in pots who have hitherto
neglected it, the writer shall think himself happy in being able to
advance the interest of the Queen of Flowers in however small a
degree. Where the plants are forced for cut bloom in large quantities,
a different system may be pursued ; but we will not enter upon that
in this paper. Suburban.

[We saw a plant of Marshal Niel grown on its own roots in a pot by an amateur
last autumn, with seventeen splendid blooms on it, some of them 4 inches in
diameter. — Ed. ]

HOW TO GROW ONION'S FOR COMPETITION".

Sow them in a forcing-pit or hot-frame about the beginning of Feb-
ruary. About six weeks thereafter place them in 3-inch pots — one in
each pot — filled with rotten turf and leaf -mould — two parts of the turf
to one of the mould ; and grow them on in heat until about the end of
April ; then transfer them to a cold-frame, and keep it close for the
first three days, except during sunshine, when the higher ends of the
sashes ought to be raised 1 or 2 inches, according to the heat of the
sun. Shut the frame about four o'clock, so as to husband the heat, and
thus a higher temperature will be kept up in it during the night.
After the first three days, the weather being favourable, open the
frame half an hour earlier every day, and close half an hour later. The
sashes should at the same time be raised a little higher every day
until they are removed altogether ; this may be accomplished in ordi-
nary weather in the course of ten or twelve days, when the plants may
be put out into a sheltered place, prepared in the following manner : —
In autumn take out a trench, say, 8 inches deep and 9 inches wide,
or thereby, then raise the subsoil with a pick 12 or 14 inches deep to
carry off the superfluous water. This being done, place the soil to be
taken from the next trench on the top of the subsoil so raised. Continue
to proceed in this way, raising the subsoil and turning the surface on
the top of it until you have the quantity of ground required, then
level the ground and remove the whole surface 1 inch deep, and
place thereon a coating, 1 inch thick, of pure nightsoil, or, should such
manure not be available, 2 inches of rotten cow, horse, or pig's dung

1869.] HOW TO GROW ONIONS. 91

may be used ; after which spread the soil taken from the surface over
the top of the manure. When thus prepared, give the whole a coating
of strong salt in the proportion of 1 lb. of salt to 4 square yards. A
little leaf-mould or rotten turf pointed into the ground immediately
before planting would be useful in starting and rooting the plants.
However, care must be taken, while this is being done, not to allow
the manure to be buried too deep by the digging; nevertheless, it
should be thoroughly mixed with the soil near the surface. Dung
buried only 2 or 3 inches deep will produce a much better crop
of Onions than if it were buried 8 or 10 inches. Many may be disin-
clined to believe this, but they have only to make one fair trial to
become convinced. Every horticulturist and agriculturist knows well
that the roots of plants grow towards the manure ; consequently, if the
manure is deep, the roots of the plants will be deep also, and will in
that way, to a very great extent, lose the benefit of the influence of the
heat of the sun. On the other hand, when the dung is near to the
top, the roots will not be far from it ; and thus the plants will have
aU the advantages derived from the manure, as well as those from the
heat and gases of the atmosphere, so essential to the growth of the
plant. In planting out the Onions, knock them out of the pots, taking
care not to break the balls. Plant them in rows, at least 14 inches
apart and 9 inches between each plant, placing the under-side of the
heads of the Onions on a level with the surface ; then put a stake to
each of them, and draw up the earth with a hoe on each side of the
rows, and thus form ridges for the Onions to grow in. When the heads
begin to develop, the ridges may be levelled and the stakes removed ;
then give another coating of salt in the proportion of J lb. to 4 square
yards. In dry weather give them a good watering at least once a-week.
The water may be mixed with old urine in the proportion of one of urine
to ten of water. In moist weather one of urine to five of water may
safely be used. When urine is not to be had, -J lb. of the best guano
may be sown every three weeks, on a wet day, over 6 square yards of
ground, prepared as aforesaid. In the absence of rain, use the water-
ing-can with the rose on, so as to clean the plants of the guano and
wash a portion of it into the soil. Some prefer using the guano in a
liquid state, but I have always been most successful with it when used
in the way of top-dressing. Those who have not prepared their Onion-
ground in the autumn, can do so yet in the way recommended, taking
care to use no manure but that which is thoroughly rotten ; and instead
of using 1 lb. of salt to 4 square yards, use now only half that
quantity.

In proof of the advantages of growing Onions in the way referred to,
I may mention that I grew one Onion of the Santa Anna Madeira

92 THE GARDENER. [Feb.

variety to the weight of 1 lb. 14 oz., and that a few of the same
variety were shown by the writer in a collection of vegetables at the
last autumn show in Glasgow, which measured upwards of 15 inches
in circumference. The six Onions shown by him which carried off the
first j^rize for weight from the Renfrew Show were of the same sort,
and Aveighed 9 pounds. Those that carried off the prizes from the
Glasgow Show in September last were raised in heat and afterwards
transplanted, the varieties being Muncham Park, Blood-red, and Dan-
ver's Yellow. James Dobbie.

Renfrew.

NEW VARIETIES OF COLEUS.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE 'GARDENER.'

Sir, — The Coleus, raised this summer at Chiswick by Mr Bause, were this day
sold by Mr Stephens, and the following is the result, as far as the biddings and
names could be ascertained in the saleroom : —

1. C. Queen Victoria, very fine dark-crimson, yellow stripe; 5 plants, Mr Lee,
7 guineas.

2. C. Princess-Eoyal, much the same as No. 1, the stripe being narrower ; 5
plants, Mr Turner, 15 guineas.

3. C. Princess of Wales, more purple and less yellow than the above ; 1 plant,
Mr Carter, 4^ guineas.

4. C, Her Majesty, leaves much larger, and yellow less distinct ; Mr Carter, 6
guineas.

5. C. Albert Victor, the golden border more broad, leaves blotched with purple,
a good specimen; 7 plants, Downie and Co., 1.5 guineas.

6. C. Prince of Wales, much like No. 5 without the golden margin ; 4 plants,
Mr Carter, 4 guineas.

7. C. Duke of Edinburgh, lighter than the above, and almost self-coloured ;
6 plants, Mr Bull, 5 guineas.

8. C. Prince Arthur, a somewhat peculiar plant, yellow ground with reddish
veins ; 3 plants, Mr Carter, 3 guineas.

9. Princess Beatrice, not greatly diflering from No. 8 ; 2 plants, no name given,
54 guineas.

The plants were beautifully got up, and were much finer specimens than those of
last year ; but there was no great animation in the sale. There is very little chance
of these, or those of last season, ever becoming serviceable as foliage plants for
bedding purposes. There is as much difference in the appearance of a plant raised
under glass, and one in the open ground, as there is between serge and velvet ;
they are very pretty toys, and give a fair allowance of amusing cai-e and trouble to
an amateur ; but the advantage they will be to the " Trade," or the use they will
be out of doors, has yet to be discovered. They are fine specimens of artificial
production. To bring them up to a producible condition, and to keep them so,
you must continue your attention ; left to nature, they are always running out of
beauty and out of bounds. Down South.

lO^A December 1868.

1869.] HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 93

IRESINE HERBSTII.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE ' GARDENER.'

Sir, — I have read with interest your observations on the cultivation of Iresine
Herbstii, but I fear many may follow out your directions and still make but a
sorry display. I have carefully watched the attempts made by men, eminent for
their abilities as gardeners both in public and private gardens, but I have never
yet seen this plant do justice to the care bestowed upon it in a fine neighbour-
hood, whatever care may be given to it. It is a sorry production in all the out-
door attempts about Loudon. I was detained for an hour at Ashford, in Kent,
this summer, and availed myself of the opportunity of going over Messrs Bun-
yards' garden. There I saw Iresine Herbstii in very great beauty. There was
every advantage of soil and clear atmosphere : the colour was most lovely, and
the form satisfactory. I could hardly recognise it as the same plant which I had
seen when the locality did not suit. I should suspect that this plant, like Coleus
Verschaffeltii, would be benefited by the check which plunging in a small pot
affords. Admiring the plant much, I feel that, not having an open and clear
atmosphere, I can do nothing with it even under your able instructions.

21th November 1868. Down South.

NOTES OW HAKDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS.

PARASTRANTHUS.

Formerly the few species that are included in this genus were con-
sidered Lobelias ; and, as implied in the new generic name, an inver-
sion of the parts of the flower is the base on which the new family is
built up. The distinction is perhaps more technical than popular, but
is sufficiently important and tangible, from a scientific point of view,
to commend to us the adoption of the new name in practice in the
garden. The species are few, and are neither striking nor showy,
but are pretty humble plants, adapted for the margins of mixed beds
or borders, and for rockwork. They have not hitherto been much
cultivated in this country, owing probably to the fact that they are not
hardy enough to endure with impunity the winter climate, except in a
few favoured places in the south and west. Being natives of the Cape
of Good Hope, they are, as most of the plants from that country which
we cultivate in this, dependent on winter protection and a little aid
from artificial heat in spring ; for though they may survive the winter,
vitality is so impaired that, except they are so aided, little progress is
made in growth till summer is far advanced, and consequently the
flowering period is postponed and curtailed. The best and surest method
of preserving them is to take cuttings of them in autumn, and other-
wise treat the plants as for Lobelias of the dwarf-bedding kinds. P.
luteus grows to the height of 6 or 8 inches, with somewhat spreading
prostrate branches, small, elliptical, toothed leaves, and yellow flowers.

94 THE GARDENER. [Feb.

■which appear in June and July. P. variifolius is of rather larger
stature than the preceding, but the colour of the flowers and the time
of flowering are the same. P. ilicifolius is about 6 inches high, with
pretty dark -green leaves suggestive of miniature Holly - leaves, so
bristled are they on the margins with acute, almost spinose, teeth.
The flowers are pink, and appear from May till September ; it is,
perhaps, the best and most distinct in the family. P. unidenta is about
the same height as the last sort, but with violet or purplish blue
flowers, appearing from May till August. P. simplex is also about 6
inches high, but is less branching than either of the preceding ; the
flowers are blue, and produced from May till August. This species is
probably biennial ; it is at any rate difficult, if not impossible, to pre-
serve in pots over two or three years ; young plants, however, grow
and flower best, and should be kept in stock sufficient for the re-
quirements.

TUPA.

Little generally is known of this magnificent family of Lobeliads in
this country ; T. Fueillei, Syn. Lobelia Tufa is the best known, and is
to be met with about the Glasnevin and College Botanic Gardens, Dublin,
and occasionally at Kew; and as seen in the border extending outside the
houses at the first-named place in the months of September and Octo-
ber rising to the height of 4 or 5 feet loaded with its brilliant flowers,
it will be admitted to have few equals. But, alas ! it is only in such
places and in such a border that it can be grown to perfection in the
climate of this country without assistance in spring under glass, and
the shelter of the same during winter. It is a native of Chili, and will
not endure, in most localities, the cold and damp of even our ordinary
winters, but it may be lifted in autumn and treated in all respects as
recommended for the tall herbaceous Lobelias in a former article. It
will not, however, accommodate itself so well to any inferior position
out of doors, but must have the most sheltered and warm position pos-
sible. It forms a fine pot-plant, and well repays any amount of care
and trouble either in pots or planted out that will bring it to perfection.
In most parts of Scotland, it is to be feared, it would do little good
except as a pot-plant ; but in the south it might be turned to account
as a subject for the subtroj^ical garden. The votaries of that system
may make a note of it, that they have no more gorgeous subject on their
list. It combines the requisites of bold and striking growth, propor-
tionally ample foliage, and a profusion of splendid scarlet flowers. In
favourable places, too, it might be used with advantage in ordinary
bedding-out for the centres of large masses, and for breaking the uni-
formity of long lines of borders. Several other species of this fine
genus have from time to time been in this country, but with the ex-

1869.] NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS. 95

ception of T. Fueillei and T. Bridgesei — the latter new and as yet untried
- — ^tliere is no other species in the country, so far as the writer is at pre-
sent 'aware. The best after Fueillei are T. salicifolia, a large-growing
sort, with bright red flowers, from Valparaiso ; T. blanda, with pink
flowers, from Chili, and about 3 feet high; and T. purpurea, about 18
inches or 2 feet high, from Valparaiso, with purple flowers.

W. S.

HORTICULTURAL COISTGRESS.

We are authorised to state that the Horticultural Congress, proposed some time
since in our columns, will be held under the auspices of the Royal Horticultural
Society, and under the management of a small select committee. Mr Thomas
Moore will act as secretary. The Congress will hold its first meeting at Manches-
ter, in July next ; and should this prove to be successful, as it must do if garden-
ers and horticulturists will but give it their support and goodwill, then the Hor-
ticultural Congress, with its beneficial influences on gardeners and gardening, will
become an annual institution. We shall in due time announce the arrangements
which may be determined on. — Gardeners^ Chronicle.

[We think such a meeting as is here proposed may lead to important results,
especially if the subjects discussed are of a thoroughly practical character, and
the papers or speeches, as the case may be, confined to a length that will not
occupy more than fifteen minutes. Pure botany should be avoided, as should such
subjects as are purely philosophical ; for it must be remembered that nine-tenths
of the audience is likely to be composed of practical men, who are not over-
tolerant of subjects that don't directly interest them. — Ed.]

[We deeply regret being again obliged to postpone many valuable communica-
tions.— Ed.]

Constant Reader, Bute. — The hot dry weather checked the growth of your
Carrots, and they got, as it were, set. When rain came in August, the earth was
warm, and they made a second growth and split as you described. We have seen
this happen in England under similar circumstances to those of last year. We fear
the Jefferson Plum will not bear as a standard in Lanarkshire ; the other two may.

Preceptor. — The following Annuals will suit you :— Clarkia elegans, C. pul-
chella grandiflora, Collinsia bicolor. Coreopsis tinctoria, C. Drummondii, Dianthus
Heddewigii, Erysimum Peroffrfkianum, Hibiscus Africanus, Lupinus nanus, L.
mutabilis, Schizanthus pinnatus, and Venus's Looking-glass. Sow them on good
soil late in May, thin out the plants well, and they will bloom when you want them.

Jas. W. W.— The following Fuchsias will suit you : — Blue Boy, Mrs Marshall,
Lustre, Empress, Grand Cross, Roderick Dhu, Brilliantissima, Regalia, Neptune,
Warrior, Starlight, and Blauchett. The following Pelargoniums: — Archbishop
(Foster's), Charles Turner (Hoyle's), Empress (Foster's), Emperor (Foster's), Ex-
ample (Hoyle's), Hermit (Foster's), King of Trumps (Foster's), Needle -Gun
(Hoyle's), Rob Roy (Foster's), Soeur de Charite (Foster's), Sunbeam (Hoyle's),
Victor (Hoyle's). And the following " Fancies" : — Beatrice, Edgar, Ellen, Madame
Vilda, Mrs Paxton Jervis, Mirella, Silver Mantle, Silvia, Tormentor, Undine,
Virundiere, and Victor Hugo, all raised by Turner. These can all be had under
the price you name. Of greenhouse plants there are but few that flower in August
and September. Keeping off those you refer to, get Statice profusa, S. Holfordii,

96 THE GARDENER. [Feb. 1869.

Lilium uratum, L. Chalcedonicum, L. giganteum, and L. longiflorum. "We have
no more showy greenhouse flowering-plants for the autumn months than Lilium.

W. B. , 24 C. Street, Bradford. — Dipladenia amabilis should be potted in
sandy peat ; the pot well-drained, and if placed in very gentle bottom-heat, so
much the better. The climate that of the intermediate house.

Amateur Horti. — If you plunge your Geraniums in the beds in their pots in
your hot dry soil, they will require a good watering twice a-week in dry summer
weather. If this is attended to they will flower well enough, but will not cover
as much ground as if planted-out, and consequently a greater number will be
required for each bed. Write direct to Mr P. Grieve, Culford Hall, Bury St
Edmunds, and he will send you his book on Zonale Pelargoniums. Six-inch pots
would be better, and rich soil.

THE MULBERRY. "

"A Subscriber" in last month's ' Gardener' wishes for information a8 to pro-
pagating the Mulberry ; and why cuttings, which were taken from a fruit-bearing
tree, and struck thirty or forty years ago, do not yet carry fruit, although they
are now vigorous young trees.

The fact of their being so vigorous and healthy, no doubt, accounts in part for
their uufruitfulness, and is probably the result of the cuttings having been taken
from gross unfruitful branches near the ground or from suckers ; and when plants
are raised from these they are very little, if any, better than seedlings, which, like
those of the Walnut, seldom perfect much fruit before they are forty years of age.
The best cuttings are those taken from the most productive branches, near the
top, and on the south side of the tree. If such branches have not been noted
while in fruit, the next best criterion is a short-jointed and twiggy habit : from
these take cuttings in the beginning of Mai'ch, 6 or 8 inches in length, of the
previous year's wood, with a joint of two-year-old wood at the base ; insert them
round the sides of well-drained pots, and plunge in mild bottom-heat, failing
which, they will strike almost equally as well in a shady border, though not so
speedily. Many years may be gained, however, by adopting the rough-and-ready
plan of striking whole branches, the thickness of an ordinary walking-stick. They
should be taken off before the sap begins to move, otherwise the tree is apt to bleed
excessively, trimmed into shape by pruning off the straggling twigs, and planted
18 inches or 2 feet deep. In very dry weather they will require plenty of water ;
and in due time these adult-cuttings will push away as if nothing had happened.

Grown in pots, and receiving similar treatment, the Mulberry (M. nigra) can
be fruited at as early an age as the Peach. K. D. T.

A Gardener.— The dressing your friend has given his Pear-trees should destroy
the scale. If it does not, let him, as soon as the leaves drop next autumn, dress
them with a mixture of equal parts of train-oil, turpentine, and spirits of tar —
taking care to avoid the wood and fruit-buds. AVe have killed the scale with this
mixture, but it is severe on the trees for the first season after its application.

A Subscriber. — It is very difficult to eradicate white-scale from hard-wooded
greenhouse plants such as yours. Try a few of the worst of them by dipping
them in water, at a temperature of 100°, with the specified quantity of Gishurst's
compound in it.

Planting Oxalis.

Sir, — In answer to your correspondent, L. M. N. R., I beg to say that I
think a bed 80 feet long would not, under ordinary circumstances, be too long
for edging with the Oxalis, but it would depend a good deal upon the form
of the bed and the position from which it is seen. A bed that can be taken con-
veniently in by the eye looks best.

Whether two rows of Christine will be sufficient will depend upon the size of
the plants, but the following proportions will be found suitable : — 20 inches of
Christine, 12 inches of Alyssum, and 8 inches of Oxalis. Plant the Alyssum and
Oxalis along the centre of the stripes they are intended to fill, peg them right and
left, and take care to keep them from straggling into each other during the season.

The Oxalis should be planted from 6 to 9 inches apart in the row. Sow it in
a box about the beginning of February, cover it with a pane of glass, and set it
anywhere in a house or pit where the temperature is about 60°. It does not
require bottom-heat. Prick it out in little tufts, in a cold frame or under hand-
lights, at the beginning of April, and keep well watered till bedding-out time.

J. Simpson.

THE

GARDENER.

MARCH 1869.

THE ROSE.

{Continued from page 55.)
CHAPTER VIII. — SELECTION.

A K E a hot schoolboy into a fruiterer's shop, where the
cheeks of the Peach and the Quarrenden Pippin are glow-
ing like his own, where the bloom still lingers upon
Grape and Plum, and where the *' Good Christian " Pear of
Williams (would that all who assure us of their sanctity were as free
from sourness, as fruitful, melting, and juicy!) yields to his inquiring
thumb. Bid him survey the scene, a pomological Selkirk, and then
proceed to fruition. Or take young Philippos, a few years older, to
some great mart of horses. Introduce him to the proprietor, with his
pleasant smiling face, ruddy (from early rising, doubtless), his cheek
and chin close shaven (few men nowadays shave so closely), hair
clipped like his horses', fox galloping over bird's-eye neckerchief, cut-
away coat with gilt buttons, and drab adhesive pants. Let him hear
how this generous, guileless man has collected, without regard to toil
or money, the best horses in all Europe, solely for the pleasure of dis-
tributing them at nominal prices among his favourites and friends.
Oh, ecstasy! "the young gentleman" is permitted to know that he is
himself a member of that blissful band — a Knight of Arthur's table.
The good dealer has "just such another young 'un of his own," and
will forthwith exhibit to his counterpart a splendid series of steeds, on
which his lad has won the principal steeple-chases, and led the clipping-
est runs of the season. How their coats shine as the neat clothing

98 THE GARDENER. [March

glides smoothly from their glossy quarters ! How they snoit as they
leave their stalls ! How proudly they elevate (I disdain that puny
monosyllable, cock) their trim-cut, well-combed tails, and how genially
the good dealer whispers to the young gentleman, with a kindly nudge
and wink, " that's about all you'll let the field see of him, if you buys
him, and gets a start." And suppose at this juncture you also whisper
in the other ear, "try them, and take your choice."

Or go with his pretty sister to some jeweller's glittering store. Let
him display to eyes far brighter than his diamonds, and with a tender
grace of manipulation which tells how costly is his ware, casket after
casket of lustrous gems. Then invite her to select her suite. Or take
her to some gay emporium — woe to the man who shall cry " shop "
therein, for fifty pairs of angry scissors would find swift way to his
heart ! — where, behind acres of plate-glass, and upon miles of counter,
the rich thick silk stands up in pyramids, and the delicate aristocratic
satin gleams like an opal. Ask the shopmen (I beg pardon, the aides-de-
camp, or whatever may be their modern title) to educe their newest,
most rechercTte robes, and beseech of Venus to choose.

Will there not be in these cases a delicious perplexity, an ecstasy
of amazement, an embarrassment of riches ? Imagine to yourself this
happy hesitation, and you will know something of my present sweet
uncertainty. How am I to begin my selection of Roses ? It seems
as though, gazing upon an illuminated city, I was asked to point
out the brightest candles ; as though, where fire-flies gleamed by the
million, and humming-birds glowed by the thousand, I was ordered to
transfix with the entomological pin the brighest specimens of the one,
and to adjust upon the ornithological wires the most exquisite exam-
ples of the other.

As to any scientific arrangement, ethnological, genealogical, or phy-
siological classification, I am helplessly, hopelessly incapable. I have
as "poor brains" for these studies as Cassio for strong drinks. The
very words make my head ache, and I long to break them up as one
breaks up, in wintry days, some big black coal with a poker. " I am
no botanist," as the young Oxonian pleaded to the farmer who reproved
him for riding over wheat ; nor do I envy, although I honour, him. I
do not envy him, because, strange as it may seem, he is very rarely an
enthusiastic gardener ; because I never remember to have seen a scien-
tific botanist and a successful practical florist under the same hat.
Wherefore I am content, when I put on my own "Christy," made for
me by one who loves Roses, and grows them well, to confess meekly
that it covers a skull void and empty of scientific treasures, but the
property, I trust, of a true florist.

But how am I to begin with the Roses ? I fancy that I hear a hiss

1869.] THE ROSE. 99

or two, a shuffling of impatient shoes, as when too much preliminary-
fiddling goes on before the play. And here, positively, in the very
crisis and nick of time, my doubt is dissolved, the knot is cut s-r/gu^w
^^'//li, upon the razor- edge of good-luck, and by an incident which
sounds like a miracle. The Rose makes ansioer for itself. Yes, biting
my quill, and beginning to think that the more I bite the nearer I draw
to the stupidity of the bird which grew it, I hear an intermittent tap-
ping on the panes of a window near. I am not startled, because this
identical tapping has been going on for a good many years, whenever
winds are high ; but as I look up and see the cause, it seems to bring
new sounds to my ears — a spirit raps distinctly on the glass, " Begin
wlili us, the

CLIMBING EOSES."

I obey at once the legate of my Queen. I lose no time in stating that
the best Climbing Rose with which I am acquainted is Gloire de Dijon,
commonly classed with the Tea-scented China Roses, but more closely
resembling the Noisette family in its robust growth and hardy consti-
tution. Planted against a wall having a southern or eastern aspect, it
grows, when once fairly established, with a wonderful luxuriance. I
have just measured a lateral on one of my trees, and of the last
year's growth, and found it to be 19 feet in length, and the bole of
another at the base to be nearly 10 inches in circumference. The
latter grows on the chancel-wall of my church, and has had two hundred
flowers upon it in full and simultaneous bloom ; nor will the reader
desire to arraign me for superstitious practices before a judicial com-
mittee when he hears that to this Rose I make daily obeisance, because
— I only duck to preserve my eyesight. The two trees alluded to are
on their own roots, but the Rose thrives stoutly on the Briar and the
Manetti, budded and grafted, wherever Roses grow. Its flowers are
the earliest and latest ; it has symmetry, size, endurance, colour (five
tints are given to it in the Rose-catalogue, buff, yellow, orange, fawn,
salmon, and it has them all), and perfume. It is what cricketers call
an "all-rounder," good in every point for wall, arcade, pillar, standard,
dwarf — en masse, or as a single tree. It is easy to cultivate, out of
doors and in. It forces admirably, and you may have it, almost in its
summer beauty, w^hen Christmas snows are on the ground. With
half-a-dozen pots of it, carefully treated, and half-a-dozen trees in your
garden, you may enjoy it all the year round ; and if ever, for some
heinous crime, I were miserably sentenced, for the rest of my life, to
possess but a single Rose-tree, I should desire to be supplied, on leav-
ing the dock, with a strong plant of Gloire de Dijon.

As to treatment, although this Rose, like some thoroughbred horse,

100 THE GARDENER. [March

will do its work with little grooming and scanty fare, it well repays
that generous diet which I have previously prescribed. In pruning, take
away all weakly wood, and you may then deal with the strong as you
please. If you want to increase the height of your tree, " cut boldly,"
said the Augur, and low. If you desire short flowering laterals, you
may have them, a dozen on a shoot,

I am inclined to award to Climbing Devoniensis the second prize in
its class. To this offspring of, or, as we technically term it, " sport "
from, the lovely Tea-scented Rose, Devoniensis, we may truly say,

O matre pulchra
Filia pulchrior !

for it has all the beauty of the mother, form, complexion, sweetness,
without that tendency to rapid decline which the parent exhibits in
our chilly climate. A tree kindly sent to me by Mr Curtis, of the
Devon I^ursery, Torquay, made shoots 1 0 feet in length the first
summer after planting, and now covers a large space on a wall 18 feet
high. It blooms here even earlier than Gloire de Dijon, and I
gathered perfect flowers from it during the month of November last.

Keep a sharp look-out, when pruning, for wood diseased or de-
cayed, because, although the Rose gave ample proof of its hardihood
by surviving the trying winter and spring of 1866-7, the ends of its
shoots and its young laterals are liable to be injured by frost ; and all
crippled limbs and unhealthy flesh should, of course, be amputated.

There are two Roses, I am well aware — two sisters of this same
"most divinely tall" family — more beautiful than those which I have
preferred before them. When we held our third National Rose Show
in the Crystal Palace at Sydenham, the first of those exhibitions
which have since been so popular in that grand creation of a garden-
er's genius, I remember that some of us were made almost angry by
the excessive share of admiration received by one of these Roses. An
anxious eager crowd jumped and jostled to get a view of it, reckless
of each other's corns. I heard a remark from one visitor to another,
a short man behind him, who seemed, I must say, about to clamber
up the speaker's back, — "Pardon me, sir, but may I remind you that
we are not playing at leap-frog?" What were they all struggling to see 1
There were long lines of lovely Roses — why this pressure always at this
special spot ? It was just as when, in our Royal Academy, and on the
first days of exhibition, the visitors all make for one particular corner,
because there hangs, so the ' Times ' has told them, the picture of the
year. And what was fJie Rose ? It was Cloth of Gold Noisette — a
box of it, sent by Mr W. Cant, from the neighbourhood of Colchester.
Well, the most jealous could not dispute its supreme beauty. It was

1S69.] THE ROSE. 101

certainly the belle of the ball. In its integrity, it is,' I believe, the
most glorious of all Roses. No true rosarian ever forgets the first
perfect bloom he sees of it. " Even at this distance of time," writes
Mr Rivers in 1867, "I have not forgotten the delight I felt on seeing
this Rose in full bloom at Angers in 1843. Its flowers were like
large golden bells." Why, then, have I not given it precedence ?
Simply because, were such a compliment offered, the Rose would
scarcely ever be there to receive it. Because in this climate it is so
rarely realised, that I do not remember to have seen it, full grown,
more than three or four times in my life. Puny personifications and
dreadful imbecilities arrogating the name I have met with frequently,
but the grand gold goblet, to hold nectar for the gods, is seen but on
state occasions — a chalice for the coronation of kings. It is " a shy
bloomer," " wants a warm wall," "good for the conservatory," they
tell us who know it best. And yet (so capricious is beauty) I have
seen noble specimens of this flower upon the walls of a cottage five
miles from my home, and the gentleman to whom the cottage be-
longed was never, I believe, more happy than when he came to dine
with me, wearing in his coat a huge bud which he had begged from
his tenant, and which resembled in size the ^^g of a turkey, or rather,
in my eyes, of a roc.

Alas ! this tree perished years ago. Its fate was the common lot of
its race — to be cut down by cruel frost. And yet I would advise
amateurs to do as I do, persevere in growing it. One year's harvest
will be recompense enough for the ploughing and sowing of a decade.
If other Roses boast of their fecundity, this may answer, as the queen
of beasts to the fox, " My children are few, but they are lionsy Try
it on a south wall ; try it on verandah and arcade (I have seen it
flowering freely on the latter) ; try it budded on the Celine Hybrid
Bourbon, which is also most congenial for Climbing Devoniensis ; try
it on the Banksian and Manetti Stocks ; try it on its own roots, pro-
tecting it during the winter months with some good thick surface-
dressing. I do not recommend matting, or other material, which keej^s
light and air from the plant. A sickly unnatural gowth is often caused
thereby, which renders the plant more powerless than ever to resist its
enemies — insects and vernal frost.

The other Rose referred to is Marechal Niel. Since the time when,
a baby in floriculture, I first began to "take notice" of Roses, more than
twenty years ago, three new stars of special brightness have glittered in
our firmament — Gloire de Dijon, Charles Lefebvre, and Marechal Niel.
The latter is, I think, the greatest acquisition, because we had, previous
to its introduction, no hardy Yellow Rose, realising, as this does — in the
wonderful beauty of its flowers, their size, shape, colour, fragrance,

102 THE GARDENER. [March

I

longevity, abundance, in the amplitude of its glossy leaves, and the
general habit of the plant — our every desire and hope. We possessed
some approximations to Gloire de Dijon in our Tea and Bourbon Roses.
Charles Lefebvre was a development of General Jacqueminot ; but of
a hardy Golden Rose, more precious and more welcome a thousand
times than those Golden Roses which popes have sent to favoured
kings, we saw no harbinger. The beautiful old Yellow Provence was
all but extinct. I have never seen it, except in the gardens of Burleigh
— *' Burleigh House by Stamford town." The few splendid petals of
the Persian Yellow only increased our sacra fames auri — the egg-cup
made us long for the tankard of gold. Solfaterre had not depth of
colour; Solfaterre was faulty in shape ; Cloth of Gold was not meant to
be worn out of doors, and was quickly tarnished by rough weather ;
and even the Marechal's own mother, Isabella Gray, had displayed such
feeble charms that no one mourned her sterility. Suddenly, unex-
pectedly, she produced a paragon. I have not placed it at the head of
the list, for the sole reason that I have not yet perfectly satisfied myself
as to its capacities in this particular department — that is, as a Climbing
Rose. I have not fully proved it, and I shall make no statement in
these papers which my own experience has not taught me. Having
grown the Rose, since its distribution, both in beds and on a wall — and
this, I rejoice to say, in the fullest phase of its beauty — I believe it to
be perfectly hardy, and likely to be the king of the climbers ; but until
it has passed unscathed one of our severest v/inters, and then covered a
large space with its exquisite Eoses, I will say no more. A climbing
Rose-tree is the one which should be least accessible to destructive in-
fluence, seeing that the sad signs of decay and death are more painfully
and prominently displayed upon it, and the harm done less quickly
repaired. The frost of Christmas Eve, 18G0, killed Rose-trees to the
ground which had covered my house for years. Would Marechal
Niel abide such an ordeal as that? There is good reason for the
anticipation in the following statement, which appeared in ' The Gar-
deners' Chronicle' of January 19, 1867. The writer, Mr Godwin of the
Rosarium, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, reports : " The frost here, in the
valley of the Dove, on the nights of the 2d and the 14th, equalled in
intensity that of the memorable Christmas Eve of 1860, when the
thermometer feU some 6° below zero ; and at present it appears to
have done its work nearly as effectively. The tender tribes of Noi-
sette, Bourbon, and Tea Roses on the low grounds appear to be all
killed. We are, however, delighted to see our old and valued friend,
Gloire de Dijon, entirely unscathed ; and, better still, Marechal Niel,
the best of the Yellows, seems none the worse for the trying ordeal
to which he has been subjected." And again, in the same publication.

1869.] THE ROSE. 103

May 2o, 1867, the editor, referring to a bloom of this Rose exhibited
at Nottingham, remarks : " This flower was of the richest golden
yellow, and measured 5 inches in diameter, the petals being beauti-
fully cupped and symmetrically arranged. It is most gratifying to
hear that this magnificent Rose is perfectly hardy, is an excellent
grower, and blooms, when well established, in all situations."

There seemed to be at first some hesitation among our Rose-mer-
chants as to the propriety of a union between this delicate beauty and
that rough, wild vagabond, the Jolly-Dog Rose ; and it was " sent
out" generally budded or grafted upon the Manetti, or recently struck
on its own roots, about the size of a toothpick. We have since dis-
covered that, as fair damsels love stalwart knights, this Rose grows
and blooms most vigorously when budded upon the Briar. This is
the best stock for it, so far as my experience goes; but there is
another with which it mates most happily, and of this I had last sea-
son a somewhat curious proof. Be it known, then, and aprojjos of
mates, that the lady whom, on an interesting occasion, I endowed with
all my worldly goods, does not avail herself of my matrimonial muni-
ficence with regard to my Show-roses, but contents herself during the
exhibition-season with the produce of certain trees exclusively appro-
priated to her. One morning, towards the end of May, I listened
with amused incredulity to her announcement, that she " had just cut a
beautiful bloom of the Marechal;" and being perfectly sure that there
was no tree of that variety in her collection, and no expanded flower
on my own, I ventured to ask, with affectionate sarcasm, which of her
plants had distinguished itself for life by this grand supernatural
victory? The prompt answer was — "Gloire de Dijon: go to my
room and look ! " I went, expecting to see some abnormal specimen
of the flower, and I found in all its loveliness, Marechal Niel ! Thence
to the branch from which it came, and then the mystery was exj^lained.
I had mentioned to my gardener, in the preceding summer, some
remarks which I had read from Mr Rivers the younger, recommend-
ing the Gloire as a stock for the Marechal. He had tried the recipe,
as I now advise my readers to try it, and had first perplexed and then
pleased me with the prompt success of his enterprise.

Lamarque, the parent of Cloth of Gold, well deserves a place on
some sunny wall, growing very rapidly, and being one of the earliest
Roses to charm us with its refined and graceful flowers. These are
large and full, the outer petals of a soft pure white, the inner of
a pale-straw colour.

None of the Roses which I have just described are classified in the
catalogues or by writers on the Rose among the Climbers ; but I have
ventured so to consider and to commend them, for the obvious reason

104 THE GARDENER. [March

that they are as capable of climbing as Jack's Bean-stalk, and that
they produce more beautiful Hoses tlian tlie other nomad or wander-
ing tribes. These are the Ayrshire, the Evergreen, the Banksian, the
Boursault, the IMultiflora, and the Hybrid Climbing.

The Ayrshire and Evergreen Roses — it should be, Evergreen if the
iceatlier permit — have many claims upon our grateful admiration. If
we have an ugly, red-faced, staring wall, which seems to glory in its
ugliness, they will hide its deformities more quickly than any other
Rose or any other creeper with which I have acquaintance. Only
give them a good start, as you give an Irishman "jist a hint" of
whisky before you send him on an errand ; and, however adverse the
position or the aspect, off they go like lamplighters. With their
shining leaves, and their pretty clusters of white pink-tinted flowers,
they will flourish where no others can grow — in the waste places of
the earth, in damp dismal corners, under trees and up them, if you
wish. Upon the blank wall of two new rooms, having a western
aspect, I planted Rampant sempervirens. Owing to the proximity of
another w^all and of intermediate shrubs, he was not even gladdened
occasionally with a few kindly smiles from the setting sun ; and though
I gave him plentifully good soil and good manure, I left him hoping
against hojje. The first year he did little. I thought he was dying
in his dreary dungeon, but he was only planning his escape ; and out
he bolted the next summer, making shoots like salmon-rods, some
more than 20 feet long. "Rampant" must have had adult-baptism,
and was well named by his sponsors, always reminding one of a
Lancashire anecdote, how a poor client waited upon one Lawyer
Cheek of Manchester, with a long bill in his hand, and sighed,
as he put down the brass on the table, " They dunna call thee
Cheek for nought/'

Other members of these two families are alike successful in sur-
mounting hardships — ej/., among the Ayrshires, Dundee Rambler,
Queen of Belgians, Ruga (with its faint odour of the ancestral Tea,
which intermarried, it is said, with the Roses of Ayr), and Thoresbyana
— raised a few miles from my home at Thoresby, the seat of Earl
Manvers, where fruits and flowers have the skilful care of a gard-
ener (Mr Henderson) who deserves the name ; and among the Ever-
greens, Adelaide d'Orleans, Felicite Perpetuelle (who would not desire
to have this Rose upon his house — this

" Kose lookiug in at the window,
And chasing dark sorrow away,"

as it is written in one of the most touching and most teaching of our
ballads ?), Myrianthes, and the two Princesses, Marie and Louise.

1869.] THE ROSE. 105

These Roses are also most appropriate for covering bowers in tlie
rosarium, or arched entrances leading to it. They are very effective
upon banks and slopes, which they seem to flood with a white cascade
of Roses ; and budded upon tall standards of the Briar, they may be
soon trained into Weeping Roses — into fountains of leaves and flowers.

Would that Burns had gazed and written upon the lovely little
Banksian Rose. He would not have esteemed the wee modest daisy
one iota the less— he was too true a florist for that ; but he would
have painted for us in musical words a charming portrait of this
pocket, or rather button-hole, Venus— this petite mi'jnoiine flower,
which would make a glorious bouquet for Queen Mab's coachman,
when she appeared in public, as queens do in fairyland. Or it would
make a sweet bridal wreath, as I remember to have seen it once in my
childhood, for a doll's wedding— a happier one, I would hope, than
that to which I refer, when the bride on her way to the altar fell
prone from our tall rocking-horse, and broke her bridal nose- The
Banksian Rose is indeed

"A miniature of loveliness, all grace
Summed up and closed in little ; "

and both the Yellow and White varieties — the latter having a sweet
perfume, as though it had just returned from a visit to the Violet —
should be in every collection of mural Roses. The plants should be
on their own roots, and those roots should be well protected during the
winter months. It cannot be warranted perfectly hardy, but with
careful mulching there is scarcely one frost in a lifetime which will
kill it. It may be injured even to the ground, but it will come up
again with wondrous rapidity. A tree of mine, which half-covered
my house, perished in 1860-1, but it was not sufficiently guarded,
because I thought it safe ; and " 'Tis better to have loved and lost
than never to have loved at all."

Under favourable circumstances, the growth of this Rose is most
luxuriant. A French writer on Roses tells us of a tree at Toulon
which covered a wall 75 feet in breadth and 15 to 18 in height, and
which had fifty thousand flowers in simultaneous bloom ; and speci-
mens may be seen in our own gardens and conservatories which repress
any unbelief. The trees should be pruned when they have flowered
in summer, so that a fresh growth of laterals may be well ripened
before winter, and bloom in the ensuing spring.

Rather more than twenty years ago, Mr Fortune sent over a batch
of Climbing Roses from China, and from one of them, named Fortune's
Yellow, great expectations rose. It was described by a rosarian at
Seven Oaks as being " nearly as rampant as the old Ayrshire, quite

106 THE GARDENER. [March

hardy, covered from the middle of ISIay with large loose flowers of
every shade — between a rich reddish butF and a full coppery pink —
and rambling over a low wall, covering it on both sides about 20
feet wide and 5 feet high." Mr Fortune himself described it as
most striking in its own country, with flowers "yellowish salmon, and
bronze-like;" but it did not succeed in my garden, and as I find it
in only one of the catalogues, I fear it has all but succumbed to our
ungenial climate.

Although the Boursault Rose is called, from its habitat, Rosa Alpina,
it certainly has not the agility in climbing which entitles the Roses
previously discussed to membership in the Alpine Club. The old
crimson Amadis is very beautiful w^hen the evening sun is low, and
the soft light rests upon its glowing flowers, but Ichabod is soon writ-
ten on its leaves ; and then the Boursault, always excepting Gracilis,
is not a graceful tree. They may be trained both to climb and droop,
but they have long ceased to perform in my rosarium either of these
evolutions. There are better Roses.

Nor am I acquainted, so numerous are the candidates having stronger
claims, with any garden which has space to spare for the Multifiora
or for the Hybrid Climbing Roses. They are disappearing from the
lists (as fair ladies do when no combatant wears their glove in his
helmet), and I sigh to count the happy, happy years which are gone
since I laid the Garland, as an Immortelle, upon the tomb of Madame
D'Arblay. S. Reynolds Hole.

THE CULTIVATION" OF HARDY FRUITS.

THE PEAK.

{Continued from 'page 62.)

Horizontal training is perhaps the simplest mode of all, and is the
one which we have seen to be in most general use for the Pear about
all old places. A considerable number of old Apples may still be seen
trained after this fashion, but as a rule it is seldom used for them now.
It is, however, still in very general use for the Pear, and, when well
done, looks very neat. The first pruning of the maiden tree is exactly
the same as for the fan — viz., cut over about one foot from the ground,
leaving three nice plump buds, one on either side for the branches, and
one right in front for the leader. The second year, if the side-shoots
are good and well ripened, I would not recommend them to be cut at
winter pruning-time, but simply be laid in at an angle of about 45° to
encourage the future growth of the branches ; for, if they are cut, what-

1869.] CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS. 107

ever portion of the shoots is removed is simply thrown away, as no
side branches are required to spring from them as in the case of the
fan ; and, consequently, the cutting back in the one was to encourage
the formation of branches, while the refraining from doing so in
the other is intended to have an opposite tendency. The leader must,
however, be cut back to whatever distance is intended to be between
the branches — viz., if one foot is the distance, cut the leader back to
that, endeavouring, if possible, to have the buds situated as formerly,
one on each side and one on the front. Next year, at pruning-time,
the same course is pursued with regard to pruning, and so on every
year until the wall is filled up. The branches, left at an angle of 45° the
first year, are brought down to 25° the second, and to their permanent
position the third ; and this course is also pursued during the whole
time of forming the tree, the reason for which has already been given
(see page 61, February number).

As already stated, we do not think this so good a method, for various
reasons. It does not look so pretty, nor yet does it produce better or more
certain crops than the fan, and, to crown all, it takes much longer time
to fill up a given space. Take, for example, a wall 1 5 feet high, which
is a good average height, and thus it will be seen a tree trained after
this method takes fifteen years from the graft ere it reaches the top ;
and supposing each tree was planted 2-4 feet from its neighbour, 360
square feet of wall will be thus devoted to the use of one tree alone.
At the end of fifteen years, however, the tree reaches the top, and if all
side branches have grown equally strong, and granting that each shoot
increased its length by 1| feet every year, it will still take eight years
more before the whole space intended for the tree is occupied, making
it thus twenty-three years old before it fulfils the expectations of the
planter. In the case of the fan, however, it is quite different, as will
be seen by looking at it in the following way : — By the fifth or at most
by the sixth year, all the branches required to fill up the given space
will be formed, and if we allow that the furthest from the top is 12
feet, it will thus be seen that in eight years more the wall will be filled
up if they grow at the rate of 1|^ feet per annum, the same as we have
allowed for the horizontal. By this calculation we have to add six
and eight years, which makes fourteen, and subtract it from twenty-
three, which leaves nine years in favour of the fan.

There are several other modes of training Pears upon walls, one or
two of which may be here noticed — viz., the herring-bone fan, the
oblique, and curvilinear ; but these, as well as many other forms, are
modifications of the two which I have already described, and, with the
exception of the curvilinear, which is sometimes very useful where it
may be necessary to have recourse to it in the case of a very strong-

108 THE GARDENER. [March

growing variety — where it might tend more to balance the tree and in-
duce an equal distribution of sap througliout its branches — we consider
them no improvement upon the fan and horizontal. The herring-bone
fan is nothing more than a tree jtruned as if intended for a horizontal —
its lower branches being laid along the bottom of the wall, the next laid
at a slight angle, each branch having more of an angle than the one
below it, until the branches near the top are running upon a pretty
sharp angle, resembling the disposition of the branches in a fan -trained
tree, while the upright stem is retained and cut yearly, the same as in
the horizontal. Oblique training is identical with horizontal, so far
as pruning is concerned, while the branches are all trained permanently
at any angle from 25° to 45°. This method has this fault, that a con-
siderable portion of the w^all is left entirely without branches towards
the bottom. The curvilinear is certainly worthy of notice in such cases
as have already been indicated, and may be done in the following
manner : — Cut the maiden tree over about 18 inches from the ground,
leaving two good buds at the top, one in front for a leader, and the
other to form a branch either to right or left — whatever direction it is
most likely to suit. This leader may be laid in straight to the wall
for 1 foot, the remaining 6 inches being drawn about 3 inches from
the straight in the direction the bud for the upper side-branch indicates.
In spring, when the buds have started, rub off all the eyes below the
two spoken of to the place where the leader goes off at an angle, where
a strong bud ought to be left to form a branch for the opposite side.
In the following year prune and train in the manner already directed
for horizontal trees, cutting the leader about 1 foot from the upper
branch, and laying the branches in the same way as recommended for the
horizontal, by bringing them down year by year till they all run on a
level. The leader is to be treated .year by year as it has been for the
first until the wall is filled, when it will have a far more imposing aj)-
pearance than a regular horizontal, as, besides having the twisted stem,
the branches will be alternate all the tree over, from bottom to top.
The principal object in view by this mode of training is to check the
rapid rush of sap to the upper branches of a tree to the detriment and
loss of the under ones, and this twisting of the stem has that tendency,
as the cellular tissue is to a certain extent broken and wounded.

It is almost superfluous for us to enter upon the various modes and
modifications adopted for the Pear in the open garden or orchard.
Every cultivator has a mode of his own, which he is sure to consider
one of the best, if not the very best, extant. All the different methods
may, however, be reduced to three general principles — viz., the pyr-
amid, the dwarf-stemmed standard, and the tall-stemmed standard.

The Quince stock is the only one which forms, as a rule, a real

1869.] CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS. 109

pyramid. Other stocks may be used, but, to keep them in proper
form, the knife will be much required in winter, and the thumb and
finger in summer. Much wood which should go to form fruit-bear-
ing branches will, for appearance^ sake, have to be sacrificed. If the
Quince stock is used, little or no winter pruning will be required — a
little attention in summer with the thumb and finger will do all that is
necessary. If we suppose our tree a maiden, with a good strong
shoot 2J or 3 feet long when planted, we cut this back to about I
foot 9 inches or 2 feet, according to taste. If we want branches down
within one foot of the ground, 1 foot 9 inches will be long enough,
but as a rule 2 feet will be better, as few people care for the branches
being nearer the ground than IJ feet. In spring, if the buds start
below where wanted, rub them off ; and if any of those left appear too
vigorous for the rest, bend them down to a stake and pinch out the point
after it is about 12 inches long. By thus using the finger and thumb
in summer — encouraging the weakly and depressing the strong — very
little work will be left for the knife in winter, save reducing the branches
to their proper lengths. The main stem ought to be trained to a stake
in an upright direction, but should not be pinched unless it is growing
too strong, and robbing the under branches, in which case it may be
pinched after it is about 20 inches in height. We do not, however,
recommend this unless absolutely necessary, as it has a tendency to start
the young buds intended for next season, and which, especially in Scot-
land, would not ripen, and consequently would be lost. In winter, cut
the leader down to about H feet from where it started this year, and
shorten the side-shoots to about 1 foot at the base, reducing their
length to about 3 inches at the top. Year after year the same course
is to be followed until the tree arrives at the desired height, when
pinching in summer, with a little application of the knife in winter,
will keep it in proper form and bounds. As a rule, from 6 to 9 feet
is quite high enough for trees worked upon the Quince stock, while
those upon the Pear stock may be allowed to grow from 12 to 16 feet.
Trees upon the Quince do not require root-pruning, but should be rather
encouraged, as they never incline to penetrate too deep, and they also
have a tendency to form a superabundance of flower-buds, which root-
pruning would only help to encourage. Those upon the Pear will
require it regularly, as already indicated in treating of wall-trees ; and
this rule holds good, no matter what form of training is adopted.

Dwarf-stemmed stardards are generally upon the Pear stock, as are
also the tall-stemmed standards. Dwarfs include all trees with a stem
from 1 to 3 feet — tall all from that up to 5 feet, beyond which no
standard ought to have a stem. If the tree has been grafted near the
ground, and made a good maiden shoot, it ought to be cut back to

110 THE GARDENER. [March

about IJ feet in winter, which will make it a fine height for a dwarf.
In summer, according to its strength, it will form from three to six
branches, which, if nicely disposed, may be shortened a little in
winter, leaving the buds at the point looking in the direction in
which branches are wanted. Should they have a tendency to grow
too erect, it would be as well to tie them down a little, placing them
equidistant, so as to form the groundwork of a nicely-formed tree. No
further instructions upon this point of management can be given. The
cultivator must use his own judgment, striving in all his after-manage-
ment to spread the tree as much as possible to get every branch in its
proper place, and when once there to keep it there, inducing it to
grow as erect as possible — never allowing two branches to cross each
other in growth, and endeavouring, as far as possible, to have each
branch about 1 foot from the other. If due attention is paid to the
training, in the course of ten or twelve years a handsome tree, cover-
ing about 5 feet all round the stem, with from eighty to ninety
branches about 6 or 7 feet high, will be formed, which we consider
quite high enough where look and usefulness are both considered. A
tree trained in this method will bear more and better fruit than many
trees which appear double their size, and are full of cross and ugly
branches. Suppose every branch of 6 feet in length is allowed tt)
bear 3 lb. of fruit, which many may be inclined to say is a very
little crop, but which nevertheless is quite sufficient, it will be found
that, if there are ninety branches, the total crop will thus be about 270
lb.; besides, the fruit will be both larger and of better quality on
account of the distance between the branches, which allows a free
circulation of air, as w^ell as exposing the whole to the free action of
the sun. Tall standards are just managed much in the same manner
after the stem has arrived at the desired height. They are more
adapted for orchard than garden culture, however, and are generally
allowed to grow to a considerable height. Nice trees can be formed
upon stems 3 feet high, which appear in the distance like large globes.
No regular rule can be laid down for their production — the cultivator
must use his own skill and knife in order to produce the desired effect.
In fact, this may be said of all orchard trees. As neither cuts nor
letterpress can properly illustrate them, a man must have seen the
operation performed, and helped to perform it himself, before he can
with confidence attempt it. There are many other forms of training
which might be spoken of ; for example, the vase, the vase-pyramid,
the balloon, &c. &c. ; but the greater portion of them are more intended
for look than utility, and as our object in writing these papers has
more reference to the latter than the former object, we will content
ourselves by simply naming them.

1869.] CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS. Ill

We need not here make any reference to the pruning and training
of espalier Pears, as the course to be pursued with them is exactly the
same as for wall-trees. We may state, however, that the Quince is
the best stock, and that we give the preference to horizontal training
for this purpose. Espaliers are seldom more than 6 feet high, and, if
a tree is planted every 16 feet, the whole space will be filled up as
rapidly this way as by the fan — say, ten or twelve years — and will be
more easily trained whether the wood or wire be erect or horizontal.

It often falls to the part of the gardener to have a lot of old trees
placed in his hands, with instructions to try and renovate them.
This is not an easy matter to accomplish, and ought never to be
undertaken unless the trees are worth the labour and the undertaker
is pretty sure of success ; because, if he attempt and fail, he not only
disappoints himself, but also his employer, making him rather sceptical
about his abilities, and distrustful about any future suggestions he
may make regarding any improvement about the place. Before com-
ing to any definite conclusion regarding the practicability of renovat-
ing old fruit-trees, there are various things to consider. First, examine
the tree all over, to see whether it is infested with scale, aphis, or any
of the many insects which are its enemies, and also whether it be free
from canker or not. If any or all of these, as is sometimes the case,
abound, renounce at once the idea of doing anything with it, as such
a tree will take years of toil and trouble before the evils are overcome,
by which time a young tree would be into bearing and producing
better fruit. Secondly, should the tree have none of the evils above
enumerated, the cultivator must not leap all at once to the conclusion
that the tree is worth renovating, but should proceed to examine tbe
roots, which are at once the mouth and true fountain of existence, and,
having carefully dug right round the tree, ascertained its condition.
If he find that the roots stretch downwards into the bad subsoil, and
outwardly for 20 or 30 feet, exhibiting long " carroty " roots, without
any fibrous rootlets, let him at once relinquish all thoughts about it,
except to have it removed to the rubbish-heap. If, however, the tree
should have become unproductive owing to a portion of its roots
having permeated too deeply into the subsoil, while another portion
appears healthy and good, with plenty of good young rootlets abound-
ing within a radius of 10 feet of its base, and if, as I have already
said, the trunk and branches are pretty free from their enemies, the
tree may be operated upon with hopes of success. This operation
may be performed any time from October till the end of March, but
we prefer doing it pretty early. Let all the branches, if a wall-tree,
be undone and tied up into little bundles, which may be loosely hung
to the wall for convenience, as well as for safety. Cut a trench right

112 THE GARDENER. [March

round, at a distance of 10 or 12 feet from the trunk, to whatever
depth good roots are expected ; thereafter take four-toothed steel
forks, and commence carefully to shake the soil from among the roots
into the trench, and, if possible, endeavour not to cut or hurt the
bark in the operation. Go round and round regularly until all the
roots are laid bare ; and if, as I have indicated, there are roots pene-
trating the subsoil, let these be cut off with a sharp hatchet. The
tree may now be removed out of its bed altogether and set to one
side ; thereafter proceed to remove whatever roots may have been left
in the soil, as they might — nay, would — prove injurious if allowed to
remain. If it can be had, I would recommend fresh soil to be pro-
cured for every tree handled in this way, and something of the quality
we shall hereafter recommend when speaking of the formation of
borders. Failing this, however, the next best shift will be to
procure a quantity of soil from the best plot in the garden, replac-
ing it with the soil from the Pear border. If the border has not
been concreted, or had something of the sort done for it, which will
not be the case in such a one as I have described, it would be very
advisable to procure a few rough flags, which may be laid at a depth
of 2J feet from the surface, and if they can be built or cemented to-
gether, so much the better ; and as every fruit-border ought to have a
good drain running along the box, let these flags slope in its direction
to carry off the damp. The soil may now be brought and put into its
place. We premise, however, that it has been well incorporated with
good rotten dung of some sort — old mushroom-dung, if not burned or
destroyed, being the best — to the proportion of 1 to 10 at the very
least, with an addition of lime and charcoal where it can be had.
This mixture being placed in the hole to within a few inches of its
level, let the tree now be made ready for replacing. Examine every
root carefully, and wherever hurt in the operation of lifting, let it be
removed back beyond the wound to the first good rootlet. Cut all the
points back in the same way, and remove all those having a downward
tendency. This being done, place the tree in its position, spread the
roots equally and in every direction, and proceed to fill in the soil
round the trunk, and, as the operation proceeds, lift and shake the tree,
so as to get the soil into the many crevices which are sure to abound
near the neck. After this is done, begin to cover the roots towards
the extremities, not throwing it in like filling a drain, as I have seen it
done, but let the workman stand in such a position as, by one sweep
of his hand, the soil from the shovel shall fall gently, and in such a
way as to help to stretch the roots in an outward direction. After the
soil is all on, a gentle press with the foot may be necessary, but if it
is in the least degree ivet^ the less " tramping " the better. Cover the

1869.] ROSES ON THEIR OWN ROOTS. 113

whole over with 5 or 6 inches of good stable-dung, and hang the
bundles of branches to the wall, and the operation for the present is
finished. In the course of three or four months, after the soil has had
time to subside, and all danger of " hanging " is over, the tree may be
permanently fixed upon the wall. If during the first summer the
weather is dry, liberal waterings may from time to time be admin-
istered to much advantage. Manure-water of no sort should, however,
be given, as the tree stands in the very same position as an animal
recovering from a protracted illness ; and we are all aware that the
medical practice is to bring the patient round by degrees, and then
give him the best food to build up the system. Let us in like manner
do the same to the vegetable kingdom. Let the plant or tree show
good signs of recovering strength before many stimulants are provided
for it. During the first year the tree will probably show but feeble
health, but the second it ought to be pretty strong, when, if watering
is necessary, manure-water may with much advantage be applied. The
third year, in all probability, there may be a crop of fruit, and the tree,
if properly attended to, will continue to be fruitful and healthy for
many years to come. James M'MillajS".

(To he continued.)

—'^-i-^'^^^^i-^ —

CULTIVATION OF ROSES ON THEIR OWN ROOTS.

As the season is come again when plenty of good ripe cuttings are to
be had of all sorts of Roses — and generally at the pruning-season a
great portion of their heads goes to swell the rubbish-heap in the shape
of prunings — prepare a piece of ground, of any light, sandy soil, upon
a south border. It does not require to be over rich, as the Roses will
remain on it for twelve months to complete their growth ; and many
of them will make from three to four shoots, and from 2 to 3 feet
long. The distance apart may be 12 inches between the rows,
and 4 inches from cutting to cutting. In taking off the cuttings,
select those with the ripest wood. Get as many with heels as you pos-
sibly can, although many will strike equally well by cutting them across
at an eye with a sharp knife. The cuttings need not be any longer than
from 5 to 6 inches ; if made shorter, they are apt to be thrown out
with the frost. During winter it is a matter of little consequence
whether the leaves are left on or not. I have put in batches of cut-
tings at pruning-time in the spring, and secured upwards of seventy
per cent. A north aspect behind a hedge is as good as anywhere.

H

lU THE GARDENER. [March

As this sort of cutting takes a long time to heal over, the buds
must not be too prominent when the cuttings are taken off. Insert
them firmly into the ground with the dibbler, and leave them for
the winter. I have never done it, but I believe a mulching
of some light material would be beneficial in preventing the frost
from heaving them up ; at all events, when the severe frosts are all
gone, let them be firmly trod with the feet to make all secure. Water,
and keep them free from weeds, during the summer months.

This day I have lifted a fine lot of well - rooted plants. A
selection will be made for pot purposes, and the rest planted out.
Twelve months ago I potted a large quantity from the same ground.
I kept them in a cool house until the beginning of February, when
they were introduced into a gentle heat, with plenty of light, where
their buds came on slowly. I may remark, when they were potted,
that the shoots were not pruned as usual, merely coiled round three or
four sticks, when, like a young Vine, the buds broke regular the whole
length of the shoot. I must admit that they did not flower all alike,
but the majority of them had from one to two dozen Roses on each
plant, and gave a good succession of flowers from April to the end of
May. When they had finished flowering, they received a liberal shift
into larger pots, with a good sound loam, road-grit, and some well-
decomposed manure, and were finally placed out of doors, to stand
upon coal-cinders, to prevent worms working their way into the pots
through the hole at the bottom. When they had filled the pots with
roots, they had an occasional watering of liquid manure, which increased
their growth very much. Part of them are being introduced into
gentle heat, to bring them on for another season as required. The
border has been deeply dug again for another batch of cuttings, and
they are being put in as time admits. John Miller.

Worksop Manor Gardens, Notts,
November 23, 1868.

HINTS FOR AMATEURS.-MARCH.

Cultivators who know the value of " March dust" will not lose any
time in forwarding any garden operations still left undone, and be
ready to take advantage of the first dry weather suitable for seed-sow-
ing ; there is so much to do (all at once) this month. If the weather
should be very wet, and otherwise unfavourable, it is better to wait a
little than to tread on soil which will become battered and unfit for
seed-sowing. It is necessary with some soils to use a board for stand-

1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 115

ing on, and to draw the drills and cover them in as the "work pro-
gresses. This is the case in low-lying localities, and where the soil
is of 'a heavy tenacious nature. Covering small seeds deeply is an
evil to be guarded against. The greater care taken with sowing and
planting, the cultivator is the more likely to be rewarded by success.
About the middle of the month is a good time to sow on a dry border
a pinch of Brussels Sprouts, Savoy, Kale, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Snow's
Broccoli, and Granger's autumn Broccoli seed. Beds can be prepared
by making a smooth surface, treading out alleys every 4 or 5 feet apart,
and sprinkling the seed over the surface, then slightly covering it with
a little earth from the alleys, finishing with a rake, leaving each kind
correctly labelled. We, however, prefer drills, drawn 9 inches or 1
foot apart, and sowing the seed thinly in them. When the plants
come up, they are not so readily drawn up weakly. But it is of great
importance to their wellbeing if time can be afforded to prick them
out a few inches apart, to keep them sturdy till planted out finally.
We always make two or three sowings of the above. Though the
latest are often weakly plants, they are useful to plant up space as it
becomes vacant ; and where failures were frequent in many places last
season, late-sown Kale was of great value for '' filling up." Cauli-
flower in handlights should now have extra plants taken out, with all
the roots and soil they can carry, and be planted in well- prepared
ground, sticking a few Evergreens round each plant to break cutting
winds. Placing flower-pots over the plants at night is often practised
with good results. The plants left under the handlights should have
the soil well stirred among them, and any decaying leaves and weeds
cleared away ; and a little rotten manure, placed over the surface, will
be of great service. The lights may be turned round or taken off in
mild weather. With a little attention given to airing and shutting up be-
fore the sun is quite off, the plants will make rapid progress and come
in early. When good Cauliflower is so much valued. Cauliflower plants
may be planted out from frames 2 feet apart. Those who found time
to pot them will now have little difiiculty in planting out. Sudden
checks must be guarded against, as premature hearting would be the
result. Carrots for drawing young may be sown on a warm border and
covered slightly with sandy soil. Parsley for a main supply may be
sown round the edges of breaks, or for forming the edges of narrow
paths, thus taking up little valuable ground. A pinch sown thinly on
an early sheltered spot may be of service where the old crops may go
quickly to seed. Onions may be sown as soon as possible, covering
the seed thinly and treading firmly afterwards, as advised last month.
Leeks may be sown in a bed for transplanting, when they can be
handled properly. They may also be sown in a trench, to be earthed

116 THE GARDENER. [March

up after thinning the crop. Abundance of manure is necessary to produce
fine Leeks. A small piece of early Dutch Turnip may be sown, and
if where protection can be given, they will likely be longer in running
to seed : shallow drills, 1 foot apart, will be suitable. AVood-ashes,
sprinkled over the surface, will keep slugs in check — all small seed-
lings will lequire to have some kind of protection against slugs. Tur-
nip-slices laid round about the borders, &c., and turned up every
morning, will secure great numbers. Netting may be required to keep
otF birds. Red lead, sprinkled over the seed, keeps birds in check.
Radishes and Lettuces may be sown, and if where protection in frosty
w^eather can be given it will be advantageous. Litter, spruce branches,
and laurels, are often used in severe weather. Spinach may be sown
between the rows of Cabbage or other crops. Where Peas are grown
in breaks, Spinach is generally sown between the rows. Peas may be
sown at least twice in the m.onth. To make successions of second
early kinds. Champion of England and Dickson's Favourite will be diffi-
cult to beat, either for croppers or fine-flavoured Peas. If the ground
is shallow and sandy, the seed may be covered over in the rows with
rotten manure or leaf-mould, and well mulched when they are up,
otherwise mildew is likely to appear. Stake those which may be up,
and prevent them from falling over. Broad Beans for a full crop may
be sown ; plenty of room is necessary if the ground is good. We gene-
rally find from 2| to 3 feet between the rows not too much, and from
3 to 6 inches between the seeds — Johnstone's Wonderful and Broad
Windsor are good kinds for present sowing. Asparagus will spring
early this season ; and planting may require attention by the end
of the month. Full particulars for Asparagus culture have been
given in the ' Gardener ' so lately, that we need say nothing
about that delicious vegetable here. Plant Horse - Radish in
deeply - trenched ground, where manure has been turned into
the bottom ; 2 feet between the rows and 8 inches between the
root is not too much on good ground. Plant Globe Artichokes
■when suckers can be had. They make a good succession to the
main plantation — 3 feet by 2 will be wide enough — but a single
row is more easily managed. Jerusalem Artichokes may be planted
similar to Potatoes ; as a rule they do much better in single rows
than when in large plantations — in the latter they do not, except
the outside rows, get the advantage of sun and air. Single rows
make also a good blind. Potatoes are sprouting unusually early this
season, and planting need not be longer delayed, as the seed growing
out of ground only wastes their vitality. If the kinds are strong
growers, they require a greater distance between the rows — say 2
feet between the rows for the stronger kinds, and 1 foot between

1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 117

tlie tubers. Some of the smaller-leaved Kidneys we plant not more
than 18 inches between the rows. Where ridges have been thrown up
to the frost, the width at which the Potatoes are to be planted, it
answers well to place a little kindly soil in the ridges — such as leaf-
mould, old mushroom - dung, or old potting - mould — planting the
Potatoes on it, and forking down the ridges, carefully burying the
Potatoes 4 to 6 inches ; and if they should come up while there
is danger of frost, a little litter may be used for protection — earth
drawn over the young tops will answer for a time. Herbs may be
divided, if necessary, and fresh plantations made. Mint and similar
kinds do well to be lifted, parted, and planted singly (in well-worked
ground), just after they have sprung an inch or so ; others established
may only require surface-cleaning, and top-dressing with clean rich
earth. Celery may be sown for the general crop, from the middle to
the end of the month. Fine soil, placed a few inches thick on a mild
hot bed, answers well to sow the seed on. Excessive heat, or allowing
the young plants to become dry at the root, would, in most cases, cause
the crop to run prematurely to seed, and be unfit for any purpose.
Checks from cold to heat are productive of the evil. Any early seed-
lings up, and fit to handle, may be pricked out 4 inches apart, on a bed
prepared with a few inches of rotten manure placed on a hard surface ;
over the manure is spread an inch or two of light soil. The young
plants are planted neatly, fastening the fine roots to keep them firm, but
not squeezing ; they should be allowed to hang their full length in the
soil. Protection with glass is necessary at this early period, giving
air gradually, till the plants are of a size to endure full exposure on
mild days. Drawing them up is a great evil to be guarded against.
If Basil is wanted, a little seed may be sown in a pan, using free
healthy soil, and not covering the seeds very much. Cucumbers and
Melons may be begun this month in the smallest places. A bed pre-
pared with good stable-dung, and a few leaves to keep it lasting, is as
good a way of growing them in summer as any other; hot-water
pipes, reducing labour and being more cleanly, are preferable for the
workman. If dung-beds and frames are used, let the heat be regular
and the atmosphere pure before the plants are planted out — a heat
of 70^, and lO'^ or 15° higher, with sun and air on, will bring the plants
on rapidly at this season. If the bed becomes dry towards the after-
noon, a sprinkling with tepid water over the whole surface, and shut-
ting up with sun-heat at a temperature of 85°, will promote active
growth. If the steam is of a brown colour, and hanging in drops from
the lights, it is a sign that it is impure ; and plants, if they live in it,
cannot make healthy growth. Small quantities of soil, in a warm
state, laid up to the roots as they appear through the hills, is better,

118 THE GARDENER. [March

for a time, than filling the structure full of soil at once. Melons do
well in strong loam and a little decayed manure well mixed. If much
dung is allowed, disease is more liable to attack the plants. Cucum-
bers do in a lighter soil than Melons — a good portion of turfy loam
should be used. Near the sides of the bed the soil may be made very
firm, as, when very loose, more of the growth of the plants is given to
wood and foliage than fruit. Melon soil, all over the bed, can hardly
be made too firm, and sloping a little from the stems of the plants.
If ridge-Cucumbers are to be grown, they could be brought on early
in a frame, which could be gradually taken off in summer, and used
for any other purpose. The usual system of growing ridge-Cucumbers
and Gerkins may be delayed till next month, as the plants seldom do
much good if planted out before the end of May. New Zealand
Spinach may be sown in a pan or pot to raise plants for planting out.
The end of the month will be early enough. A frame is valuable in
most places to raise such plants as the above, besides Vegetable Mar-
rows, Capsicums, and Tomatoes; both of the latter may be sown at
once.

Nail and otherwise finish fruit-trees as formerly directed. Though
bushes and fruit-trees should have been planted long ere this, they may
still be got in ; a little extra care of drought will be necessary, as March
is sometimes very trying for all kinds of newly-planted trees ; and
where staking has not been well done, strong winds will do much
damage both to root and branch. Trees on walls, &c. — such as Plums,
Apricots, and Peaches — may require disbudding early this season, as
unfortunately most things are very early. When taking off the wood-
buds, considerable judgment is necessary, so that the best-placed shoots
may be left as near the main branches as possible ; any that are grow-
ing right out from the tree should be taken clean off, and enough of
wood left to furnish bearing wood for next year. The wood and leaves
should fully develop themselves without being crowded. There are
generally more failures from overcrowding than the reverse.

The propagating of bedding-plants may be proceeded with as rapidly
as possible. Verbenas may be put in a high moist temperature, in
rather sandy soil. They will soon root, and if potted and replaced in
heat till the roots take with the new soil, they can be placed in a close
frame, and air increased as the plants begin to grow. If green-fly make
its appearance, a little tobacco smoke will kill it ; confine the smoke
for a time by placing mats over the frame. Calceolarias and other
more hardy plants can be placed in a sunk pit or frame if pots are
scarce ; it does well to turn the plants into rough soil, where they will
root freely, and can be lifted out with balls at planting time. Chry-
santhemums may be propagated now, by cuttings or by dividing the old

1869.] THE KITCHEN-GARDEN. 119

plants. A cold frame answers well for them ; if mucli heat is used they
become drawn up and weakly. Abundance of air and light is neces-
sary for all hardy plants, especially if they are to be turned out into
the open ground. Bedding-plants, and others for ornamental purposes,
cannot have too much air, when weather will allow, to secure bushy
strong plants for turning out. Hardy annuals may be sown in the
borders ; some of them make a good show, though not so lasting as most
of the perennials. If annuals are wanted late in the season they may
remain unsown till May.

Bulbs of all kinds, Carnations, Pinks, Pansies, and such like plants
in pots, must now have all the air possible, using the lights to keep off
heavy rains ; however, mild showers, when required, would be a good
watering, but no damp should be allowed to settle about the plants.
Auriculas may have their side shoots taken off if they are not wanted
to increase the stock ; in their absence the main flowers would be
finer. If top-dressing has not been given with rich compost, it should
not be delayed. Tender annuals should now be sown in a little heat.
Balsams, Cockscombs, and similar plants would do well for a time in
a cucumber frame. To grow them well, especially Balsams, they re-
quire bottom-heat and plenty of air given as they grow. When they
grow to their blooming size, they will do in an ordinary greenhouse,
but require to be taken gradually from a warm to a cold structure. All
plants will require to be more frequently watered — however, guarding
against extremes, and let it still be given in the mornings. More roots
and more active growth are a sign that more moisture is necessary.
When plants are potted give plenty of drainage, especially to any re-
quiring peat, such as Heaths ; place compactly over the bottom a few
large pieces, then a quantity of small ones, making a level surface ;
keep the soil w^ell packed round the ball in process of potting. Roses
may now be pruned, cutting out weakly growths and shortening
strong ones ; fork over the mulching and make the beds tidy. Strong
shoots may be pegged down to fill up. M. T.

THE KITCHElSr-GAIlDElSr.

No. III.

{Continued from page 72.)

THE GLOBE ARTICHOKE.

This vegetable, though seldom or never met with in the gardens of
cottagers, is one that is very much esteemed at the tables of the
wealthy. It is supposed to be a native of the countries which sur-

120 THE GARDENER. [March

round the ^Mediterranean, and of the islands of that sea. Most likely
it is a maritime plant, for it is one that thrives well in soils in
which there is alkaline matter ; and it is said that it thrives amazingly
in the Orkney Islands, where it receives liberal doses of sea-weed. We
have frequently observed that it grew with unusual vigour in rather
peaty soils, or where it has received liberal dressings of decayed vege-
table matter, such as leaf -mould. Generally speaking, the Artichoke
is to be met with in some out-of-the-way corner of our gardens not
very well exposed to sun and air. It is, however, a mistake to plant
it in such situations, as it is a plant which usually yields most pro-
ductively on a warm open exposure, and does best in a warm season.
It has been represented by some as perfectly hardy. This, however,
does not coincide with our own experience ; and on consulting an old
author, we find it stated that "once in the seventeenth century, and
again in 1739, the Globe Artichoke was all but totally destroyed in
Britain, and a fresh stock had to be imported from the Continent,
where it is much more generally esteemed than in this country."

The cultivation of this vegetable is exceedingly simple ; at the same
time some considerable care and attention is required to keep up a
succession fit for table from June to November. In making a new
plantation, a piece of good open dry soil should be chosen, and liber-
ally manured with decayed leaves or thoroughly-decomposed vegetable-
mould : trenching to the depth of 2 or 2| feet is desirable, and then
another dressing of manure dug into the surface. As soon as the old
stools have grov/n from 8 to 9 inches, which is generally from the
middle of April to the middle of May, according to the season, is the
time to plant. The old stools should have the soil turned back all
round them, so as to enable the operator to select the strongest offsets
round the stool, and to remove them with a portion of their thick
perennial roots and some of the young fibres also. These offsets are
then planted in triplets at a yard apart, the soil pressed firmly about
them, and well watered immediately they are planted, and kept watered,
should the weather be dry, till they get a good hold of the soil. If
this be performed in April with good strong suckers, they produce
globes in August. It is a good plan thus to plant a few rows every
spring, and do away with as many of the old stools. It keeps up a
succession of good healthy stools and of globes. Old plants will, it is
true, continue to be productive for many years ; but, after a certain
time, the globes are not so fine. When old or established plants begin
to grow, they should be regularly looked over, and the weakest growths
or offsets removed entirely; for, if left to grow up a thicket, no more
globes will be produced, and those that are produced are weakened by
the crowd of foliage. Six or eight suckers to a stool are quite sufficient.

1869.] THE KITCHEN-GARDEN. 121

To keep up the succession in September and October, a few rows
should be planted a month later than recommended above ; and if
removed carefully with good roots, shaded with a few boughs, and well
"watered, they soon begin to grow, and yield globes at a time when
they remain longer in good condition, and are most esteemed when
other second-course vegetables are getting scarce. In some cases we
have attained this end by merely lifting a few rows late in ]May with
balls, cutting away some of the roots, without dividing the stools, and
replanting them. This checks the growth and retards them.

As soon as the globes are cut the stems should be cut away, and the
leaves removed as they decay. To protect them from severe frost,
a thick mulching of stable-litter, or leaves covered with litter, is suffi-
cient. In laying it on, place it close up round the hearts of the plants.
In spring this dressing can be dug into the ground about the roots
when all danger of severe frost is past.

THE JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE.

This is, to the uninitiated, a most uncouth and uninviting-looking
vegetable ; but it is wonderful how palatable and tempting-like a
good kitchen artist can make it before he passes it iip-stairs. Seeing
that — like the sun-flower, to which it is allied — this subject is from
America, we might wonder why Jerusalem should be applied to it.
The name, however, is a corrugation of Girasole, meaning sun-turning.
Being a tribe to be found only in large gardens, and so very easily
cultivated, we do not intend to say much of it. It requires to be
grown very much in the same way as a Potato. It makes the finest
tubers in a dry loamy soil enriched with leaf-mould. Instead of
letting it be on the same piece of soil for years, as is often done, to
get fine tubers it should be planted afresh every year in rows a
yard apart and 10 inches or a foot between the sets, and 6 inches
deep. When the tops have withered they can be cut over, and some
litter spread over the ground, and the tubers dug up as required ; or
they may be lifted and pitted, or otherwise stored, like Potatoes. The
end of February or early part of March is a good time to plant.
Choose large tubers instead of small ones, as is sometimes practised.

BEET.

This much-esteemed esculent is supposed to be a native of the warmer
countries of Europe, and to have been introduced into this country by
the Romans. According to chemical analyses. Beet contains much more
nutritive matter than any other root excepting the Potato, Nearly
twelve per cent of it consists of saccharine or sugar matter, and the

122 THE GARDENER. [March

Red Beets are more nutritious than the White — the former containing
three times more ghiten than the hitter.

The main crop of Beet should not be sown till the end of April ; for
■when sown earlier, and especially in dry seasons, it is apt to run to
seed, and the result is. small worthless roots. In most families it is
required early in autumn for salads, and to meet that demand a small
sowing is generally put in the first week in April. The ground that
suits it is an open sandy loam, moderately enriched with rotten manure.
Should the weather and ground be dry, vegetation is hastened and
more certain by steeping the seed in water for twenty-four hours.
Sow in drills IG inches apart, and w^hen sufficiently large to thin, they
should be left about 8 inches between plant and plant.

Where the soil is naturally heavy, slugs are sometimes great pests to
Beet just as it comes through the ground; and it is a good plan, under
such circumstances, to cover up the seed with some light sandy soil, and
to dust with dry soot and lime as the plants appear above ground.

Beet is rather tender, and subject to injury from frosts, and requires
to be lifted and stored in time to be secure from such. In lifting and
storing it great care is necessary, so as not to break the skin, or cut
the tops off too close, which causes bleeding and leaves the tuber much
deteriorated by loss of juice and colour. They are best stored in sand
in a cool dry place, or they may be pitted, but protected thoroughly
from wet. They are best and most conveniently kept in a root-room.

The varieties of Beet are now numerous, and many of them are very
much alike. The varieties we prefer are — Barret's Crimson, Hender-
son's Pine Apple, Notting's Dwarf Red, Dell's Dark Lopped. Barret's
we consider preferable taken as a whole, where one variety only is
selected.

ANAWASSA SATIVA VARIEGATA

Is in many people's estimation the prince of decorative plants for a
dinner-table; but their being grown, as we generally see them, in
large pots, debars them entirely from that place of honour, and their
utility is thus ignored.

Nobody but those who have seen them has any conception of their
beauty, grown, as w^e grow them, in 6-inch pots in Sphagnum moss
and a dash of silver-sand and pounded charcoal.

We have in our mind's eye a garden that possessed at one time
upwards of twenty such plants, that did duty in all manner of M^ays —
from the top of a spiral onyx-stone column to a Majolica vase in a
bedroom. The common greenhouse Lycopod plays an important part

i86g.] NEW VARIETIES OF FRUIT. 123

on the surface of the pots, and in no way affects the health and happi-
ness of the variegated Pine-apple plant. Warm soft water, copiously
apijlied daily in summer and weekly in winter, and being placed on
inverted pots on a stone over the hot-water pipes, are its chief wants.
To obtain handsome uniform recurved -leaved stocky plants, a pair
may be grown on in a pinery in the usual way, and fruited.

The crown or crowns thus produced — and I have seen as many as
seven on a fruit, potted as I have recommended, and grown on in a
careful manner — make perfectly noble plants. In truth they may be
termed real furniture-plants. It is erroneously supposed there are two
varieties of this plant, but the crimson hue sometimes seen is entirely
due to good cultivation. As a rule, crowns produce high-coloured
foliage, and suckers light. The variety caUed Porteana is not to be
compared to the one under notice. H. K.

NEW VARIETIES OF FRUIT.

In the article on " Xew Varieties of Fruit " by Mr Shortt, in the Decem-
ber number of the 'Gardener,' there are more mistakes than those
mentioned by "J. G. B." The Royal Ascot Grape is not truthfully
described. It is a strong-growing very prolific variety; the berries
are large, jet-black, and covered with a dense bloom. Three finer
bunches of Black Grapes I have seldom seen than those with which
Mr Standish gained the second prize at the Regent Park Botanic
Society's Flower and Fruit Show in June last. They were beat by
a very fine dish of Golden Hambros, but there were at least twenty
dishes in competition, and amongst them some good Muscats. I have
also seen it at Ascot, as well as at other shows ; I also saw it in Edin-
burgh at the exhibition in September, and was surprised that Mr
Standish sent such a poor example of it to the Scottish capital. I
grow the Grape here, and have come to the conclusion that it is an
excellent variety to cultivate.

Prince of Wales Peach is described as having very large fruit; it
has carried good crops of fruit here the last two seasons, medium size
only, of a distinct flavour. Mr Rivers has raised some good Peaches,
but I do not think Prince of Wales is one of them.

Princess of Wales is a first-rate Peach, but Mr Shortt is in error in
his description, as it has very large flowers, and ripens in September,
at the same time as Walburton Admirable, to which the fruit bears a
close resemblance; the flowers are quite difi'erent, however. Dr Hogg
makes the same mistake in the ' Fruit Manual ; ' he says it ripens in the
end of November.

124 THE GARDENER. [March

Is Desse Tardive a new Peach? I saw a large tree of it during the
past season trained to a wall at Hallinbury House in Essex, and Mr
Spring, the gardener there, told me that it was one of the finest late
Peaches, and that he had gathered fruit off it 12 inches in circum-
ference. James Douglas.

LoxFOUD Hall.

THOMSON'S STYPTIC.

This is undoubtedly a most valuable preparation for stopping bleeding of the
Grape Vine. About two years ago I had the misfortune to have an early Vinery
frozen when in flower, and coming in to bear their first crop. The sap at that
stage was in full flow ; in fact, all going on as well as could be desired. Seeing
the mischief was beyond recovery, I determined to cut down the Vines to the
bottom, and bring away fresh rods. Accordingly I did so, and bleeding severely
followed. But not dismayed, I perseveringly applied the styptic. Rubbing it
in with finger and thumb, the force of the sap burst through the large bubbles
several times. Eventually it obtained the mastery and held its own, and no more
bleeding was to be observed during the remainder of the season. Very soon after-
wards the Vines broke, and such monster breaks. I trained two rods from each,
■which quickly reached the top and down the back wall of a fifteen-feet-wide house.
They ripened well. Before I left the scene of this disaster, in October last year,
several Grape-growers called, saw, and heard the above. All were unanimous on
the merits of the styptic. One high authority on Vines (well known to the
Editor) declared he never saw finer Vines in all his experience.

This being the season, many a Grape Vine will receive its annual pruning and
dressing, I would strongly recommend all interested in their culture to have a
bottle by them. "When bleeding show^s itself, either in planted-out or pot Vines,
they have an unfailing remedy. Alexander Temple.

Saltmarshe, York.

THE BEISTEFICIAL RESULTS OF TRElSrCHIWG.

It is well-known, or at least should be, to all gardeners, that trenching
is to the soil one of the most beneficial of gardening operations.

The past summer will long be remembered as one of the hottest on
record, and has proved to my satisfaction that deep stirring of the soil
is the best remedy against the evil effect produced on the various crops
in the kitchen-garden by a long and severe drought.

When I entered my present situation twelve months past, the kitchen-
garden, 3 acres in extent, was in a most uninviting condition. My
employer told me it produced little the previous summer, weeds excej^ted;
and I had ocular proof, in the luxuriant crops of groundsel and other
weeds, some of which had recently underwent the operation of mowing,
that his information was not to be doubted.

1869.] ON THEORETICAL INSTRUCTION. 125

Such being the case, I concluded that trenching would be the best
means of getting rid, to a certain extent, of the enormous number of
weed-seeds that necessarily must occupy the surface of the soil. I
therefore determined that all the space not occupied by permanent
crops should be trenched. However, circumstances over which I had
no control occurred, and prevented me carrying out my intentions. I
was therefore obliged to be content with getting one-half trenched,
the remainder being dug in the usual way.

Now, if I had been able to have liad the whole trenched as intended,
I would have had no means, during the past summer, of comparing the
difference between the crops on the trenched and those on the un-
trenched quarters. As it was, I had an excellent opportunity of not-
ing the beneficial results arising from deep cultivation. The various
crops on the trenched portion succeeded entirely to my satisfaction,
whilst those on the untrenched were in most instances a decided
failure.

It is unnecessary for me to describe here the mode of trenching, as it
is known to all gardeners ; but I may state that, in this instance, I had
a quantity of decayed leaves wheeled on to the quarters, and, as the
work proceeded, laid with a paring, about 3 inches in thickness, of
the surface-soil at the bottom of the trench. I was very particular in
having the paring placed as low down as possible, for the reason pre-
viously alluded to — namely, the getting quit of weed-seeds.

Let me, in conclusion, urge every gardener who wishes for good and
tender vegetables, to have, at least, a portion of the kitchen-garden
trenched every year. J. H.

OK" THEORETICAL INSTRUCTION".

Peemising that a certain amount of education is necessary before
any trade can be learned, it does not follow that a sound theoretical
education is either necessary or of primary importance to a young
gardener. The thing of first importance to him is useful knowledge
— i.e. J knowledge bearing immediately and directly upon his own busi-
ness. But education and knowledge are two distinct ideas, hence
there is often a vast amount of educating, yet little knowledge. The
former is a mode — the art of imparting instruction ; it must have an
actor and an object. Knowledge is power — an intellectual substance
— therefore it may exist alone ; but this power, to be useful, must be
practical : it may be ornamental, but if not exercised it is useless. It
follows, then, that speculative knowledge is useless in learning the trade

126 THE GARDENER. [March

of gardening, for it is practical business ; the man must therefore exer-
cise his hands. Further, knowledge, to be useful, must have a primary-
object; hence the first object in imparting knowledge is to prepare the
lad for the relation in life he is fitted or designed to occupy. But the-
oretical knowledge will never fit a man for being a gardener ; for, spec-
ulate as we please, the true definition of gardening is dress, and keep —
two practical ideas ; hence, as there is no connection between the ideal
and the practical, there can be no connection between gardening and
science. Therefore a knowledge of science cannot be of primary im-
portance to a young gardener. But knowledge ought to have a final
object. The ultimate end, then, of all knowledge is to fit us for the
higher and nobler employments hereafter. " Sed hie laboris, hie
dificilis ; " this, of course, includes moral and religious knowledge —
it is secular which concerns us at present. The question of education
is interminable as the minds, the countries, and ages connected with
it. To measure or bridge it, then, seems impossible ; perhaps some of
its dangerous reefs might be buoyed. In the popular language of the
day, the common systems of grinding and cramming appear to be
doomed. The idea of grinding is, constant application to one branch
of learning — such as Latin or Greek, without the remotest chance of
either being useful in after-life. The idea of cramming is, quantity
— the amount of knowledge imparted, the books devoured. Experience
has proved both to be errors. It is to be feared that, in training for the
gardener's business, we are not free from those errors, when, as was
said before, we distract the minds of young men with speculative
knowledge before they have learned the first principles of the practical
— further, in hunting after anything and everything but the right
thing ; for it is the amount digested, not collected (to use a medical
expression), that makes the chyle of a practical life. Again, the ideas,
a finished education, a trade learned, are both of them errors — in
fact, each is a contradiction ; for all that can be done in either is
simply to put men in the way of acquiring knowledge. The citadel
of ignorance lies intrenched in our own minds, therefore it must be
stormed by self-exertion. Hence our motto ever ought to be. Progres-
sive Development.

In the realisable paper of " W." he seems to think that he has caught
the type of the ideal and of the practical, and by some species of
metamorphosis would like to change those forms into a new body.
He may well say with Ovid, " Di c^eptis, Adspirate meis ; " yes, and
add with him, by way of parenthesis. For it is by you such things
are efi'ected. He will excuse me, then, when I say that I have no
object but the elucidation of truth in a friendly spirit. In my opin-
ion, then, both types are failures. The first is the wrong man in the

1869.] ON THEORETICAL INSTRUCTION. 127

riglit place ; for, as lie said, he had many advantages, and was in the
best situations. The second type is the riglit man in the wrong place ;
for truly in his case we see the pursuit of knowledge under difficulties :
work, work, work night and day among pots and pans — a mill-horse
life ; and yet it is said he was woefully deficient in scientific lore.
How could he be otherwise ? Is it, or any learning, acquired by
intuition 1 To mention any learning in such circumstances is but a
sham. As well try to teach the last-mentioned quadruped dialectics.
To use the words of "W.," how far a change of circumstances, situ-
ations, and training might have benefited both men, it is not for
me to say. But while I believe, and have attempted to prove, that
theoretical training is neither useful nor of primary importance to a
young gardener, I hold as firmly, on the other hand, that ignorance is
a depravation, and the want of systematic training an anomaly ; for no
man, as the old adage says, was ever born with a trade in his mouth.
Therefore instinct, intuition, have as little to do in this case as science
could have to do in the other.

As, then, we utterly disclaim all power to make, and, I fear, to trans-
form, we must take the raw material (as " W." calls it) just as we find
it. And if by ordinary means and common appliances we cannot
turn out the superfine, perhaps we may get the home-spun — both are
useful ; and, owing to market prices, there is as likely to be a glut of
the former as the latter : be this as it may, we must be regulated by
the laws of supply and demand. But to drop metaphor. If three
years' apprenticeship does not fit a young man to acquit himself among
his fellow- workmen, there is a fault somewhere. Either the master is
unfit to teach, or neglects his duty to his apprentice ; or the apprentice
is unfit to receive, or neglects the instruction given. But if the master
be fit, and does not neglect his duty, then the fault is not his ; there-
fore it must be the apprentice that is in fault. He ought to try some-
thing else. A man may fail in one branch of knowledge, and excel in
another. Drummond would never have been a gardener, because the
plainest directions appeared to go in at one ear and out at the other.
But he mastered the science of botany, and left his name in living
characters upon its pages. A. W.

[We are highly pleased to find that this important subject, the education of
young gardeners, is attracting the attention it deserves. When our correspon-
dents have given us their views, we shall have much pleasure in giving our own
ideas of the matter, founded as they are on rather extensive experience — having
passed some three hundred young gardeners through our hands, some of them
highly educated, others not able to spell many of the commonest English words.
—Ed.]

128 THE GARDENER. [March

DIFFICULTIES.

A WORD TO YOUNG GARDENERS.

Every one has difficulties to contend with, no matter what may be
their calling or position in society. The monarch who sits on a throne
and sways his sceptre over a mighty empire, and the humble peasant
in his lowly thatched cottage, are alike in this respect, although
their respective difficulties are of necessity extremely different
in character. In the one case the interest and welfare of a
nation present innumerable difficulties to the sovereign, while the
most humble serf has his own particular difficulties to meet and
obstacles to surmount in the other.

Difficulties are the chains that bind us — the shackles that hinder us
in our race after knowledge ; while without knowledge we are but
poorly armed in order to cope with the many obstacles that every day
rise in our path.

Knowledge is the powder we must use to blast into atoms the rocky
difficulties we constantly meet with ; Wisdom the fulcrum on which
our lever must be placed if we would raise ourselves to true greatness.
Perhaps some under-gardeners (I would not presume to write for the
instruction of head-gardeners) may ask, What do you mean by true
greatness ] and may feel surprised when I say that true greatness
neither consists in wealth nor position in society, but in the full
development of all those powers, both physical, moral, and intellectual,
which have been so wisely bestowed upon us by the omnipotent Crea-
tor of the universe.

No man is born wise — neither in a palace nor in a gypsy's tent ;
nor is it possible that a man can suddenly become blessed with
wisdom. He may perchance become suddenly rich, but wisdom can only
be obtained by laborious and persevering study. Linnseus (the
father of botanists), Handel, and Vandyke did not render their names
immortal because they were descended from noble families, nor because
they were wealthy, but because they worked hard and studied hard,
and became wise.

The following lines will give some idea of true wisdom : —

** In parts superior what advantage lies '?
Tell (if you can), what is it to be wise ]
'Tis but to know how little can be known —
To see all others* faults and feel our own."

The difficulties that lie in the young gardener's path are as plentiful
as "Roses in June ; " would that I could add "and as pleasant " ! but

1869.] DIFFICULTIES. 129

experience tells me I should be wrong in doing so. They are also
extremely variable (many are but imaginary) — some require but a slight
effort' in order to surmount them, while others rise up like great and
mighty giants, and we have to strain every nerve before we can clear
them from our paths. Sometimes an older veteran will reach out his
hand and assist us in the fight. To those who do this our warmest
thanks are due. No one who possesses an honest heart can forget such
little acts of kindness from those who are placed in authority over us.
Some, it must be owned, jDlace difficulties in our way, perhaps because
we have at some time or other given them some slight offence, or
perhaps because they are ignorant of the exact way we are striking
out for ourselves. Let us forgive such frankly — a brave manly heart
never cries for revenge.

One of the greatest difficulties common to young gardeners is a
want of inclination to study the various remarkable phsenomena
that are continually occurring in the vegetable kingdom around them.
There are hundreds of gardeners that work on from day to day with
a certain vague idea that ultimately they will be able to benefit their
profession ; this idea generally ends in nothing. Why ? Because they
are ignorant, not of the mere practical or physical part of their work,
but of those primary laws that ought to regulate it.

If a gardener does not know something at least of vegetable physi-
ology, structural botany, and chemistry, his path will be strewed with
difficulties that it will be next to impossible for him to surmount.
Such men can but rarely give you a satisfactory " reason why."

It may be taken as an axiom that where there exists an effect there
has been a cause. Every young gardener should think of this, and
when he sees any remarkable effect produced, should at once set
himself to discover the cause. This, for beginners, will be extremely
difficult at first, but rest assured you will learn something by your
failures, as well as by your successes.

The want of books, time for study, etc., are all difficulties in a
young gardener's way onwards, but the greatest difficulty is want
of perseverance. "Where there's a will there's a way" should be
printed in letters of gold, and fastened up in every bothy throughout
the country.

In a future number of the ' Gardener ' I propose to say a few
more words on this subject with the kind permission of its worthy
editor. Every one interested in horticulture will agree with me that
the condition of young gardeners is well worth considering ; not per-
haps for what they are at the present time, but we must, to get some
idea of their importance, consider the positions they, as a body, are
eventually destined to occupy. F. W. B.

130 THE GARDENER. [March

NOTES ON HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS.
CAMPANULA.

This is a very numerous and natural group of plants. A strong
family likeness pervades the whole, yet there is much diversity
of habit and stature, which renders them useful for many pur-
poses, and fit for a variety of positions. From the bright and
beautiful character of the few species with which we are familiar in
cultivation or in nature in this country, we may fairly estimate the
ornamental value of a large number of the perennial species. Our
own "Scottish Blue Bells," which, with grace and brightness, light
up for a long period in summer the hedge-banks and waste places all
over the country, may be taken as a fair type of the family in both the
scientific and practical sense. A few species from Madeira, the Cape
of Good Hope, and Australia, are suitable only for frame or green-
house culture ; but the great home of the family being northern
and southern Europe and western Asia, a very large majority are
hardy enough to endure the severest winters of our climate. They
are all of easy culture. Many may be propagated by cuttings, but the
largest number are best increased by division or by seed.

C. Garganica is about 6 or 9 inches high, somewhat tufted and
prostrate, throwing out numerous branches, which, from May till July,
are rather profusely covered with the light-blue flowers. The flowers
are broadly campanulate, and deeply cut into five spreading lobes.
This is a very desirable species, and is most suitable for planting on
rockwork ; but in light, rich, well-drained soil it is available also for
the front lines of mixed borders. In some catalogues it is entered as
a biennial ; the plant is, however, perennial and hardy, but impatient
of wet undrained soil.

C. elatine is nearly related to C. Garganica. It is prostrate and
tufted in growth, and hairy in nearly every part. The flowers appear
in June and July, are pale blue, broadly bell-shaped, and deeply cut
into five narrow spreading lobes. A distinct and desirable sort, best
fitted for planting on rockwork. Native of Piedmont.

C. elatiiioides closely resembles the last-named sort, but is downy
and hoary all over, even to the lobes of the corolla. It flowers in July
and August ; the flowers are blue, deeply cut into five lanceolate
spreading lobes, and borne in rather close racemes. Suitable for rock-
work, and planting on dry stony banks. Native of Lombardy.

C. fragilis, syn. C. diffusa, is a dwarf tufted species, sending out
numerous prostrate branches. The flowers, borne in loose racemes, are
bright blue, broadly campanulate, but not so deeply divided as those

1869.] HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 131

of the foregoing species. It is a bright free-flowering plant, which
about, July and August forms beautiful masses of blue. Native of
the mountains of Naples and Sicily, and hardy as the rock it clings to,
if protected against stagnation of moisture. Erroneously included
among the half-hardy species in some lists. A variety named Hirsuta
is peculiar in aspect, but not so free flowering as this species.

C. isopliylla, syn. C. florihunda, has much of the appearance of C.
fragilis, but has broader leaves, is more dense and tufted in growth, and
a more profuse bloomer. The flowers, which appear in June and July,
are pale blue with a grey centre. Native of Liguria ; perfectly hardy,
but impatient of wet.

C. rotundifolia — " Scotch Blue Bells " — though not very " far
fetched," so wonderfully increases in beauty under care and culture,
that I cannot pass it over in this list, but strongly recommend it to all
who may not have given it a trial. It is one of the most graceful, pro-
fuse, and lasting of Campanulas, and adapts itself readily to any posi-
tion. A white and also a pink variety occasionally to be met with are
interesting and pretty.

C. pusilla is a diminutive species in the way of C. rotundifolia. The
flowers are pale blue, appearing in June and July in small loose nod-
ding racemes. It is from the Swiss Alps, and chiefly valuable because
of its great pertinacity of life in dry stony positions.

C. Cenisia is a very diminutive species, rising to the height of only
3 or 4 inches, forming a close carpet of lilac-blue flowers, large in pro-
portion to the plant. One of the prettiest and most interesting in the
family, found at a great elevation on the Alps of Italy. Most suitable
for rockwork. Flowers in July and August.

G. 2^umila, in the form of the white variety, one of the best known
of the smaller Campanulas. Like the last-named sort, it forms a close
carpet of flowers, which appear in June and last till August. The blue
form is not so common, but both should be in every collection of hardy
herbaceous plants, as it is one of the most graceful and profuse-flower-
ing, and a most accommodating plant, thriving alike well in nearly
every variety of soil and position. Native of hilly pastures in Switzerland .

C. Zoysii is a tufted species, with erect flower-stems from 6 to 9
inches high, bearing long campanulate dark-blue flowers about July
and August. Found on mountains and rocks in the Tyrol, and is best
suited for planting on rockwork, but succeeds well also in light rich
soil in well-drained borders.

G. pulla. The blue forms of C pusilla and C. pumila are some-
times sent out for this species. It is rather rare in the country, but is
a very desirable and distinct plant. It is dwarf, rarely exceeding 8
inches high, with erect simple flower-stems, bearing each a solitary

132 THE GARDENER. [March

bright blue flower, somewhat recurved on its stalk. The leaves are
bluntly oval on short stalks. Flowers in June and July. Native of
south-eastern Germany, on mountain-pastures. Suitable for rockwork,
or for the open border in light, rich, well-drained soil.

C. Aljyini, an erect species, about 1 foot high, each stem bearing a
pyramidal panicle of showy blue flowers, which appear in June and
July. Native of Italy and the east of Germany.

C. latifolia is a fine stately sort, of erect habit, with simple stems,
which, in rich soil, reach the height of 5 feet, and are terminated by
a long leafy raceme of purple flowers, appearing in July and August.
This species is invaluable for planting in woods. It reaches its great-
est magnitude and beauty in rich loam, but makes a fine display in
poor, shallow, and even dry soil, if partially shaded by trees overhead.
There is a dull white-flowered variety, which forms a good contrast to
the purple one. Native of woods in the north of England and south
of Scotland, and is widely spread over northern Europe and western
Asia.

C. rapunculoides grows to the height of about 3|- feet in cultiva-
tion, with simple erect stems, terminating in graceful leafy racemes of
dark-blue flowers in June and July. One of the most showy of the
family, the inflorescence being of great length — often 1^ foot. It
is very suitable for planting in woods and other semi-wild places. It
is striking also in the mixed border, but rather troublesome, and
encroaching by means of its creeping underground stems. Native
of woods in Britain, Europe generally, and western Asia.

C. trachelium is a tall handsome species, with erect stems 3 or 4
feet high, and large violet flowers, arranged in terminal leafy racemes,
which appear in July and August. In the early stages of growth it
resembles the common Nettle, having large coarsely-toothed leaves of
the same form. Its geograjjhical distribution is nearly the same as
that of C. latifolia, and it is found inhabiting similar places, and may
be used for the same purposes. There are three varieties, showy and
desirable — the double blue, double white, and single white.

C. i^Grsicifulia, one of the handsomest, and at the same time one of
the most common, species. It reaches the height of 2 or 3 feet, the
large broadly -campanulate blue flowers being arranged in a close
raceme along the greater part of the stems. It begins flowering in
June, and lasts on till September. There are five or six varieties, all
very beautiful : grandis, flore pleno, alba, and alba flore pleno. The
species, along with its varieties, should be more extensively cultivated
than they are. There are very few more showy hardy herbaceous plants.

0. Garpatica is of dwarf growth, throwing up its bright blue,
broadly-campanulate, erect flowers to the height of about 9 inches or

1869.] THE MULBERRY. 133

1 foot on simple stalks. There is a very fine companion to the blue
form ^ in the white variety, named C. Carpatica alba, which in every
respect is like the species, only the flowers are pure white. Flowers
from June till August. A very handsome and showy species, which
should be in every garden. It adapts itself to almost any position,
and will do well in almost any soil if moderately rich. Native of the
Carpathian Mountains.

G. turhinata. — A very beautiful species recently introduced by
Messrs Backhouse. The flowers equal in size those of C Carpatica,
but are dark purple. The plant is more dwarf, but of the same tufted
habit of growth. Native of Transylvania.

G. glomerata grows about 2 feet high, with many flexuose, almost
straggling, stems, bearing terminal and auxiliary heads or dense clusters
of flowers. The flowers are small individually, but collectively they
form a large and efl'ective inflorescence. The most common colour is
deep purple or violet, and of this there is a double variety. But there
is also a pure white sort, single and double, that is very ornamental
and desirable. The flowers last from June till September. Native of
the south-eastern counties of Scotland and the greater part of England,
and extends over most of Europe and Russian Asia. Fond of rather
a dry sunny position and rich soil.

G. speciosa, from Siberia, is nearly related to C. glomerata, and is
mainly distinguished from it by its larger individual flowers and
flower heads.

O. cervicaroides, from Italy, with long straggling stems, so closely
resembles C. glomerata that it is scarcely worth having where the
other can be got.

C. aggregata, from Bavaria, is the finest of the cluster-flowered
Campanulas. It is about 2 feet high, with crowded clusters of pale-
blue flowers, which last from June till September. Like C. glomerata,
it delights in a warm sunny position and rich light loam.

G. Alpina, a handsome dwarf species from the Tyrol, resembling C.
rotundifolia, but is more dwarf and compact, and with larger dark-blue
flowers. Best suited for planting on rockwork. The flowers appear
in July. W. S.

THE MULBERRY.

I hardly think the reply of R. T. D. meets the requirement of " a Subscriber "
in a former number of the 'Gardener.' Most trees planted in soil above their
natural requirements throw down a deep or tap root ; and when such is the case,
the tree runs into excessive growth, and becomes unfruitful ; and I believe
there is no remedy for this other than that of undermining the tree and severing

134 THE GARDENER. [March

the tap-root. This gives some trouble, but it is difficult to kill the Mulberry.
The " lane I live in," until covered with houses, was celebrated for the Mulberry.
There are two or three feet of light soil, then eight or ten feet of sand and stony
gravel, affording perfect natural drainage. In this the Mulberry thrives and
fruits. In the Hector's garden there exist the venerable remains of a Mulberry-
tree, of uuknown age. In my own garden there was a Mulberry of apparently
equal date ; it was called Queen Elizabeth's Mulberry — the garden having been
a part of the domain of Catharine Parr, sixth wife of Henry the Eighth, and
tradition fixed the planting of the tree on the " Virgin Queen." I have a very
fine Mulberry, planted 35 years ago, which never fully bears, having been planted
where the gravel has been dug out ; it has run to excessive growth, and fails in
bearing fruit. Down South.

TROP^OLUM SPECIOSUM.

I WAS glad to see that " W. S.," in the September number of the 'Gardener,'
is also an admirer of this charming hardy herbaceous plant. Having grown it
with success for the past ten years, and found it to bloom much easier than de-
scribed in said number, if you think it worthy of a place, I give you my treatment;
for although I live within twenty miles of the granite rock and the wind-raked
terraces referred to, I am not of opinion that locality makes much difference, as
it flourishes as a creeper in the greenhouse as well as it does out of doors in nine
small flower-beds which it occupies — only that in the greenhouse it blooms early,
and frequently makes a second bloom about this time, 20th October ; but the
bloom does not stand so long in heat as in the open air. First, then, when I
wish to renew or make a new bed, I excavate the soil to the depth of about 18
inches, then lay about 4 or 6 inches, tramped down, of old pea-sticks upon this ;
then I lay 9 or 10 inches of good old hotbed dung or rotted manure, beating 'the
whole firm to prevent the bed sinking. Slightly cover with soil, then lay the
roots pretty thick over the bed, covering with 3 or 4 inches of soil. Afcer the
beds may have stood a few years, to exhaust the manure, a mulching might be
given as nourishment; but such is not necessary to guard against frost, as the
roots are perfectly hardy without it — only, as the roots start early iuto growth,
planting should be done not later than January ; and by such treatment I have
always had" them bloom fair the first season, and perfection afterwards. Pre-
vious to the young shoots coming above ground, I stick with decayed spruce
hi'anches 5 or 6 feet high, in a cone shape if circular beds, which they mostly are.
This they soon cover, and after blooming, they are covered with little purple
seeds, which also have a fine appearance ; and as a creeper upon a house or wall,
I know nothing to surpass it. R. F.

NEW PLANTS OP THE PAST MONTH.

In relation to the production of new plants, the first two months of the
year may be regarded as a period of quiet and comparative rest — like
a truce coming between two battles ; it is at once a respite from the
cares of a past campaign, and a time of preparation for another swiftly

1869.] NEW PLANTS OF THE PAST MONTH. 135

approaching. Particularly is the month of January a season of repose
in this respect, as the production of new plants at this season is
invariably small.

Messrs Veitch & Sons have received a first-class certificate for a new
Asplenium from Monte Video, supposed to be a new species, but allied
to A. erectum. It has a pretty dwarf-tufted habit of growth, and
appeared to find great favour among fern-fanciers. The same award
was made to Mr Green, gardener to W. Wilson Saunders, Esq.,
Pieigate, for Agave Besseriana hystrix, a dwarf -growing plant of a very
compact habit, the leaves narrow, in length from 4 to 5 inches, and of
a glaucous hue, and tipped by a stout black spine an inch long, and
bordered by smaller spines, also of the same colour.

From Mr Baxter, gardener to C. Keiser, Esq., of Broxbourne, came
a box of cut Camellias, to one of which a first-class certificate was
awarded. It was named Kelvingtonia, and was said to have been
obtained from Guernsey. This flower was of remarkable beauty, as
well as of unusual size, having immense guard petals and a tufted
centre, and measured fully 5 inches across, the colour being of a dark
carmine crimson, freely blotched with white. This flower really
created some surprise, and did not apjiear to be known to the best
Camellia-growers.

A remarkable Oncidium, shown by Mr Denning, gardener to Lord
Londesborough, Grimston Park, Tadcaster, was awarded a second-
class certificate. It was nearly allied in character to 0. sphacelatum,
though it had been purchased as O. nebulosum. It had a flower-
stem some 4 to 5 feet in length, the sepals and petals were pale-
greenish yellow, spotted with brown ; the lip of a pale-straw yellow,
stained with brown at the base. Mr Denning also sent a very fine
coloured variety of Lycaste Skinneri, the whole surface of the flower
being deeply sufi'used with rose-colour, the petals mostly so, and the lip
dotted with crimson. From Mr B. S. Williams came Lycaste Schil-
leriana, a distinct and rather pleasing species, with long recurved
olive-green sepals, and smaller white petals and lip.

In the way of ornamental-foliaged plants, Mr B. S. Williams has
exhibited a striking-looking Aralia, named peltata, with leathery-
lobate leaves on long slender leaf-stalks, and apparently well suited for
indoor decoration, and Chamaerops gracilis, an elegant erect-habited
variety of C. humilis.

From Messrs Veitch & Sons came some forms of the New Zealand
Flax, which excited a little discussion among plant-growers. One was
under the name of Phormium Cookianum variegatum, which was said
to differ from P. tenax in its narrower leaves and more erect habit,
but which, according to the ' Gardeners' Chronicle,' was certainly not

136 THE GARDENER. [March

the P. Colensoi grown in some establishments, though, according to
Dr Hooker, P. Colensoi and P. Cookianum are synonymous. There
was also the green form of the foregoing, shown under the name of
P. Cookianum, and beside these P. tenax and P. tenax variegatum.
The Floral Committee, before whom these forms were exhibited, ex-
pressed a wish to see them again when more fully developed ; and it
was thought by some that the forms of P. Cookianum were simply
undeveloped forms of P. tenax, and would be found to be nothing
more when fully developed by growth.

At the meeting of the Floral Committee referred to, there were pro-
duced two splendid blooming plants of Phaloenopsis Schilleriana —
the one exhibited by Mr Forsyth, gardener to Baron Rothschild of
Gunnersby, the other by Messrs Carter & Co. of Holborn, London.
The former, a very fine plant, bore two flower-panicles, one of which
had seven branches; these had between sixty and seventy flowers
and buds. The other was equally fine, and bore an eight-branched
spike, one of the branches being again ramified. A special certificate
was awarded to each. R. D.

SOMETHING ABOUT THE CHRYSANTHEMUM.

Taking up the record of varieties from page 33, I have to say, in re-
ference to a great many of ihe Anemone-flowered kinds, that though
they may not find acceptance with all lovers of the Chrysanthemum,
they are yet well worth growing. Generally, they may be described as
having from one to two outer rows of guard petals, with a quilled
centre, formed as a tuft. There are Anemone-flowered kinds belonging
both to the large-flowering and the Porapone sections ; and on looking
over my notes made in the past autumn, I find some of the best of the
former to be as follows : Emperor, a large flower, the petals blush, with
a sulj)hur centre, which becomes much darker with age ; Empress, one
of the finest, having large flowers and very broad guard petals of a
pleasing lilac hue, and a light centre — this flower should be in every
collection ; Gluck, golden orange, very fine and showy ; Jardin d'Hiver,
dark rose, a fine and acceptable variety ; Lady Margaret, a large and
striking white flower, with a double row of guard petals ; and Prince
of Anemones, another large flower, with lilac blush guard petals, and
a very full and high centre, rather paler. This by no means exhausts
the list of Anemone-flowered kinds ; it simply records some of the best
flowers among them.

Of the Anemone-flowering kinds among the Pompone varieties, I
can particularly recommend Antonius, yellow, with orange centre ;

1869.] TRAVELLING NOTES. 137

Astrea, lilac blush, with deep yellow centre, the flowers very pleasant
and bright and freely produced ; Calliope, bright claret red, the centre
large and full ; the white, golden, and lilac forms of Cedo Nulli, three
most useful varieties ; Firefly, bright brownish scarlet, with close deep
centre, a distinct and striking variety ; Madame Montels, white, with
yellow centre, very pretty and striking; Mr Astie, golden yellow,
dwarf-growing, and of fine form ; and Keine des Anemones, a very fine
white flower.

I confess to a great admiration of the new Japanese varieties for con-
servatory decoration, despite their somewhat uncouth and ragged appear-
ance— setting at defiance as they do all the cherished laws of form,
substance, and outline, so dear to the scientific florist. No one must
think of cultivating them in the open air, unless in a most favourable
and sheltered position, where they can be trained to walls or trellises,
and sheltered from frost. They should be grown in pots in a conserva-
tory, in which mode they can do good and acceptable service during
the dark winter months. The flowers are as diverse in shape as they
are varied in colour, consequently they admit of considerable variation.
I can confidently commend the following kinds : Bronze Dragon,
bronzy salmon; Prince Satsuma, bright golden yellow, large and very
double; Red Dragon, reddish chestnut, tipped with yellow, flowers
very double and of great size ; Red Indian, Indian red ; Tarantula,
a most singular flower, with a close button-like disc, and a single
spreading ray of long slender tubular golden florets ; Striatum, white-
striped rose, very pretty when true, but unfortunately inconstant in
character; Tasselled Yellow, large golden yellow, very fine; and Yellow
Dragon, with large and showy yellow flowers.

Cultural directions have been abundantly given in the pages of the
'Gardener.' Successful growers and exhibitors, like Mr Thomas
Hignett and others, can, and do, do full and substantial justice to this
practical part of the question. It is my privilege to supplement their
valuable remarks by giving the names of some of the best kinds I
meet with at exhibitions, or at the establishments of the growers.

Quo.

TRAVELLING NOTES ON GARDENS IN THE
MIDLAND COUNTIES.

My object in taking this journey was to enable me to cast aside home
cares for a few days, — to see something of what was being done in
other parts of her Majesty's dominions, to visit old friends, and make
new ones. We may stay at home and ponder over certain subjects till

138 THE GARDENER. [March

the mind gets mystified and the eyes ache, without being a whit the
better ; whereas, intercourse with our fellows, or rather I should say
interchange of thought, dispels many lurking errors, and enables us
to strengthen what may have appeared to be somewhat uncertain
opinions or conjectures.

Gardening visits, too, give an insight as to the different systems of
management: they give us also an opportunity to criticise what we
may consider to be amiss with others, and at the same time to reflect
on our own defects.

Horticultural exhibitions are powerful instructors, as they bring the
products dispersed over a large extent of country within a narrow
compass, which, no doubt, stirs up the ambitious faculties of some, and
agitates the incipient desires of others.

But another plea may be offered in favour of gardening visits — viz.,
that, although we may have had exhibited no inconsiderable amount
of talent, we must not run off with the idea that everything else has
received the same careful attention, which may or may not be the case.
There is room for suspicion, for how frequently do some of the leaders
at our metropolitan and local shows carry off for years the principal
prizes, and get what is called, in loose phraseology, " their name up,"
while other things of equal importance have an independent existence
that are allowed to take care of themselves. The motto of every
good gardener is, " Uniform attention throughout ; " so it is advisable,
sometimes, to see what those are doing at home who bear a great
name. Gardeners, as a body, are kindly disposed to each other; no
class of men fraternise more freely, and how often have I known
casual meetings ripen into deep and lasting friendships ! Never but
once during my wanderings have I been treated with cold formality
— a frigidity not easily to be forgotten.

IN'ow I must proceed on my journey ; and by the express found
myself on a September morning in Birmingham at 10.50, and by the
next train was whirling off to Warwick. The country is flat, — not an
object to engage the attention till I reached Kenil worth station.
Here I felt that I had entered on classic ground — consecrated to the
end of time by the magic pen of Sir Walter Scott, to whose genius
civilisation bends the knee of homage. Here the remembrance of
many tragic events rushed upon my memory. There too, was the
memorable year of 1575, when the Earl of Leicester feted with regal
splendour the Elizabethan Queen. All the luxury money could pur-
chase was pressed into her service. Every actor in the grand drama
stood before me as described by the novelist. There were the minstrels,
the dancers, the professors of buffoonery, all possessing but one idea,
to gratify and support the vanity of an imperious queen. But amid

1869.] TRAVELLING NOTES. 139

this galaxy all was not joy, — there existed the deeply-seated villanies
of Yai:ney and the hroken heart of Amy Eohsart.

JSTothing now remains of Kenilworth Castle, npon which we can
read the memorials of past greatness, but the mouldering walls, ruined
hattlements, and deserted halls. The hand of destruction has chnched
it firmly, that leveller of every material form.

In the course of a few minutes more I found myself at Leamington
station, and shortly observed the grey towers of Warwick Castle
shooting out from among gigantic trees. Situated as it is on high
ground, it takes in a large sweep of the surrounding country. Having
secured comfortable lodgings at the hostelry of Mrs Ann Page — who I
do not suppose is any relation to the lady of that name who shines
so conspicuously in ' The Merry Wives of Windsor, ' but that is a
point I do not wish to investigate — I now steered my course in the
direction of the garden and inquired for Mr Spink, to whom I was
an entire stranger — but that does not matter. My reception was kind,
and he at once placed himself at my disposal ; and certainly I could
not have had the services of a more accomplished cicerone. Well he
may be, as he has held his present situation under the late and
present Earl of Warwick more than fifty years.

The kitchen-garden appears to be about 3 acres, and dates beyond
the memory of any living man ; no wonder, then, that the soil looks
weary and worn out — sickly it must be under such a long period of
cultivation. There is a time when manure ceases to stimulate — more
is required than dung ; there are the mineral ingredients, which
consumed, vegetation languishes, and eventually refuses to yield
anything like an adequate return. No doubt, when cropping has
been conducted upon correct principles, the natural elements of the
soil may be preserved longer, but there is a time when they will
disappear under the best management. Mr Spink has to fight against
numerous enemies ; one in particular is, that on one side of the garden
are planted close to the wall large timber-trees whose roots have ex-
tended like a piece of network throughout the vegetable quarters.
Eeyond a few of our usually cultivated varieties of Apples and Pears
there is no extension. On the Peach-wall there are a few healthy trees,
and others again are in the last stage of dissolution ; and were it not,
says Mr Spink, "by planting a few yearly, I should soon come to
utter grief." This I can quite believe, as alljstone-fruits dislike the
red sandstone ; they must have lime either naturally or applied.

I have little or nothing to record about the forcing-houses, as they
are few in number and in a tumble-down condition. It is hardly
possible to suppose such a state of dilapidation being called upon to
do duty. Pruit certainly is forced, but in what way I cannot guess —

140 THE GARDENER. [March

no matter in what direction they come, the rain and wind have com-
plete toleration to enter at every corner.

My next move was to the pleasure-ground : somewhat extensive,
and containing at the extremity a large sheet of water, partly an arti-
ficial increase by an extension of the river Avon. This is rather a
sluggish river, flowing immediately under the castle walls ; and what
may surj^rise others, as it certainly did me, was to find in such a place
a flour-mill keeping up an incessant clack-clacking : true, there may
be music in a noise of that kind, but to the majority, I fear, it is
rather harsh. This department was not highly kept ; profit appears
to be a greater object than pleasure, so that there is only a small portion
set apart as dress ground. The majority of the trees are such as are
usually to be found in park scenery. There is a considerable number of
the Lebanon Cedar, when in full vigour a beautiful object ; but nearly
all have reached their climacteric, and show signs of decay. Here and
there are dotted a few specimens of Conifera, but not of sufficient interest
to claim any share of our attention. On an elevated position overlook-
ing the lake, at a considerable distance, stands the conservatory ; and if
the name designates a plant-house, there could not possibly be a more
flagrant misa23plication. The roof is slated and plastered inside, sup-
ported in front by columns, between which are glazed sashes, admit-
ting just enough light to torture vegetation. The only plant of value
was a healthy and handsome Dicksonia antarctica — apparently just
the situation it requires.

In the centre, on a square marble pedestal, stands the celebrated
"Warwick Yase," designed of white marble, and executed in the
purest Grecian taste, believed to be one of the finest specimens of
ancient sculpture at present known. Nothing is certain as to its
early history beyond that it was found at the bottom of a lake at
Adrian's Villa near Tivoli. The shape is circular, and it holds 136 gal-
lons. Two large handles are attached, formed of interwoven vine-
branches, from which the tendrils, leaves, and clustering grapes spread
round the upper margin. It rests upon vine-leaves that climb up its
sides. In addition to these, there are the heads of satyrs bound with
wreaths of iv}^, the vine-clad spear of Bacchus, and the crooked staff
of the Roman augurs. These were court officials who professed to
foretell coming events by sacrifices and divinations of various kinds.

At present there is no flower-garden, only a few miscellaneous beds
scattered about the pleasure-ground of various shapes and sizes. But
apparently something is to be done, as I observed in front of the con-
servatory the marking of a new terrace-garden.

"Warwick Castle is said to have been founded in the year 915, by
Ethelfreda, daughter of Alfred the Great, but how much, or if any, of

1869.] TRAVELLING NOTES. 141

the original remains, is a qnestion not easily decided. About sucli places
there is always to be found a class of persons saturated with legendary
lore, who are exceedingly desirous to impregnate the minds of strangers
with the marvellous. I remember some years ago having asked one
of these archaeological professors as to the age of a certain building.
To my utter amazement he replied, " Why, as old as the time of
Sennacherib." '-' Come," said I to myself, "this is rather too dense;" and
with one breath inquired who was Sennacherib. " Oh ! " said my infor-
mant, " one of the kings of England." The castle is surrounded by a
moat, now dry, and spanned by an arch where the ancient drawbridge
stood. PortcuUises are mostly numbered with things of the past ; two
were once used here as a necessity, and one is still preserved as an
object of antiquity.

Immediately on entering the gateway that leads to the inner court,
a massive irregular castellated building strikes the stranger Avith awe,
and subjects the mind to feehngs of intense veneration. Look to the
right, and there you see Caesar's Tower, said to be coeval with the
Norman Conquest : it has battled against the tempest for eight hundred
years, and still continues unscathed. Turn to the left and you observe
two unfinished towers begun by Richard III. There is also Guy's
Tower, 128 feet high, 30 feet in diameter at the base, and the waUs 10
feet thick. After all, the interior of the castle is the real centre of attrac-
tion, rich in rare antiquities. The paintings, too, are of a first-class
character, and to show that such is true I have only to name some of the
artists. There are works by Rembrandt, Vandyck, Rubens, Guido, Mur-
illo, and many more of equal merit. Only let me notice the portrait of
one among this large collection, that of Ignatius Loyola, the founder of
the order of the Jesuits, whose life I have made a subject of study; and
never did liistory and phrenology agree so closely in describing the
real character of a man. But I must make a break here, or the editor
wiU tell us that such matter is more fitted for the pages of the ' Art
Journal ' than the * Gardener.'

In the porter's lodge are exhibited the relics of Guy Earl of "War-
wick, who, we are told, was nine feet high ! If true, his height must
have nearly equalled Goliath of Gath, who measured 6 cubits and a
span.

The town of Warmck is said to be older than the castle, having
been founded, it is believed, about the beginning of the sixth century.
If so, it must have been often rebuilt, as no part has an aged appear-
ance. The only public buildings of note are the churches, rich in
architectural beauty ; but all are surpassed by St Mary's, a magnificent
structure founded previous to the Norman Conquest.

The shades of evening had now closed upon me, so I parted with

142 THE GARDENER. [March

Mr Spink with feelings of sincere gratitude. He had given up his
time to me ; he had treated me with the greatest kindness where every-
thing and everybody were strangers.

The following morning landed me in the show ground of the War-
wickshire Agricultural and Horticultural Society. In no section of
the latter department was there anything introduced deserving to he
recorded. The character and quality of the material differ in no par-
ticular from what is to be seen at our autumn meetings throughout
the country. Visit twenty of them, and they will be pretty much the
same. This is an age of change, and certainly a change of plants has
here become a necessity. The finances of the society suffer by a con-
tinued sameness. Often and often have I heard visitors express their
disapprobation by saying, " There is nothing new to be seen; it is the
same thing over and over again." These are pungent expressions ;
they convey more than actually appears : it is time, then, for managers
to calculate the consequences, as it is they alone who can make the
necessary reforms by remodelling their schedule. Only offer remuner-
ative prizes, and gardeners will soon be equal to the demand.

This is not a question that can be fully discussed in an article of
this kind : it deserves more thought than a few running comments.
The defect is only to be acknowledged, and how to settle it will soon
transpire.

As the air of Warwickshire is all the refreshment the managers con-
sider necessary to support their judges, I had now nothing further
to detain me, beyond a little professional gossip, so I retraced my
steps to Birmingham, and by the next midland train reached Worcester
on a visit to Mr Smith's nursery, and fortunately found him at home,
and he offered me every facility to look through his extensive grounds.

Alexander Cramb.

The Gaedens, Tortworth.

[To he continued.)

MANCHESTER EXHIBITION.

This grand event, for it is nothing less, begins on the 14th of May, and ends on
the 21st. It will, as hitherto, be held in the Botanical and Horticultural Society's
Gardens at Old TraflFord.

For plants and flowers of various descriptions, there is offered in prizes the
startling sum of £906, and for fruit £21.

We observe that Mr Williams of Paradise Nursery, Holloway, London, offers a
prize of £50 for fifty plants ; one half of them to be in bloom, the other half to be
foliage-plants. This will be the Derby of the horticultural year. The Society
offers £25 as the second prize in this class.

1869.] REVIEW. 143

Sam. Mendal, Esq. of Manchester, ofifers a prize of £20 for ten Cape Heaths in
flower ; the Society, £10 as a second.

William Cunlifife Brooks, Esq., ofifers £20 for twelve Eoses in bloom ; the Society,
£10.

C. F. Beyer, Esq., offers £10 for eight Cycads ; the Society, £5.

Five other gentlemen oflfer special prizes of a handsome description for bedding
and hardy plants, four bunches of Grapes, the best six Apples, twelve hardy
Shrubs, and for Cucumbers.

Then follows a long list of prizes by the Society for every conceivable descrip-
tion of plants.

Verily, the horticultural spirit of Manchester is at the boiling-point, and long
may it continue so ; and, like the Gulf-stream, may it flow north, and warm the
waters as it progresses.

From what we have seen of Mr Finlay's previous management of these great
shows, we predict that this will be one of the most magnificent of the season, for
he and his council have secured the confidence of exhibitors in ail parts of the
country.

ROYAL CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The Schedule of Prizes for the Great International Fruit and Flower Show of
this Society, to be held in Edinburgh on the 8th and 9th of September of this
year, is now before us. The leading prizes are £10, £7, £5, and £3, for the best
collection of eight sorts of Grapes. Half these sums for four sorts. For twenty
sorts of fruit, £15, £10, £7, and £5. For sixteen sorts, £10, £7, £3, and £1, 10s.
Besides these, prizes are ofifered for nearly all other sorts of fruit, including Grapes
of all descriptions.

For eight stove and greenhouse plants, 10, 7, and 5 guineas are offered. For
the three finest Orchids in bloom, £5, £3, and £1. Prizes of a similar character
are ofifered for all the usual autumn flowers, whether these be cut spikes or pot
plants.

Judging from the display produced by a similar schedule in 1865, we expect this
to be the finest display of fruit ever brought together in one place. The sum
total of the prizes offered is but little short of £500, more than half of which is
offered for fruit. We are very pleased to learn that many of the great English
fruit-growers mean to compete on the occasion.

^-f^^^!^-^-^

REVIEW.

The Garden Oracle, and Horticultural Year-Book for 1869. Edited by
Shirley Hibberd, F.R.H.S. Groombridge & Sons, Paternoster Row,
London.

Is replete with well-assorted information, bearing on a great variety of horticul-
tural and floricultural subjects ; in addition to which it contains an almanac
and lists of all the new plants of the year. It is useful alike to the amateur and
gardener.

144 THE GARDENER. [March 1869.

[We have again to apologise for the postponement of many valuable communi-
cations.— Ed.]

Aberdeen. — Sow your Calceolaria seed about the middle of August in pans,
on soil of equal parts well decomposed leaf-mould, river-sand, and light loam —
cover very lightly, if at all, water with a fine rose, and place the pan in a close
frame shaded from the sun. The seed, if good, will soon vegetate ; when it does,
give more air, remove the shade, and keep the plants close to the glass. See that
they do not suffer for want of water. When they have three leaves developed
prick them out in pans or boxes in soil similar to that the seed was sown in, with
the addition of a little well-decomposed manure ; shade and keep them close till
they begin to grow, then give plenty of air. "When they have made some
progress in this position re-plant them, but wider apart — say in boxes 2 inches
apart each way. By the time they are well established in the soil, so as to lift
with balls, take them up carefully and pot each plant separately in 4-inch pots
in soil where decayed manure is substituted for the river-sand. "When they have
filled their pots with roots, and before they get pot-bound, shift them into 8-iuch
pots, in which they will bloom in June. They must be kept free from their great
enemy green-fly by occasional fumigations with tobacco ; and they must never
be allowed to flag for want of water. When the flower-stems have grown to
some height they should be staked carefully. When in bloom they should be
shaded from the noonday sun. This will prolong their season of bloom.

We shall be very much obliged to Mr Simpson if he will send us a few papers
bearing on matters Horticultural in New Zealand.

P. B. F. — We would plant the centres of your circles with Sensation Chrysan-
themum, then a ring of two rows of Crimson King Verbena, and next the grass a
band of Cerastium tomentosum, or Alyssum maritimum variegatum. The oblong
beds we would plant the centres with Bijou Geranium, then a band of Purple
King "Verbena, and finish with a white band next the grass, as in the case of the
circles. We think this would be your best arangement of such plants as you
name. We certainly would not make the circles less, as you propose.

Violet. — October is the proper time to put in Calceolaria cuttings, and of the
recently made wood. They may be kept as you describe, and should be trans-
planted and hardened off before final planting in the open ground. We know
of nothing to take the place of Viola cornuta in your case. Sow at once and en-
courage the growth, and it will suit you.

We never raised Cerastium tomentosum from seed, but believe it will be in
plenty of time if sown now as you propose.

A Constant Reader. — We never before saw anything like the branch of black
Currant tree you sent us, nor can we suggest what may be the cause of it. As
it destroys their fruitfulness, we advise you to lift them and plant them else-
where. We would be disposed to give the soil a dressing of quicklime.

E. Welsh. — The Celery you sent us last spring was of first-rate excellence; we
shall be much obliged for a pinch of seed this spring.

THE

GARDENER

APRIL 1869.

I

THE BOSE.

{Continued from page 106.)
CHAPTER IX. SELECTION.

ESCENDING now from roseate heights, and ere we reach
the perfumed plains below, we must halt to gaze upon
our

PILLAR EOSES,

some rising singly Ifere and there, like the proud standards of victori-
ous troops ; some meeting in graceful conjunction, saluting each other
like our forefathers and foremothers in the stately minuet — bowing
themselves, like tall and supple cavaliers, into arches of courtesy,
with keystones of cocked hats. In both phases these Pillar Roses
are beautiful additions to the rosarium, enabling us to enliven, with a
pleasing diversity, that level which is described as dead. But with
reference to the first, I must offer to amateurs a respectful caution —
that to grow single specimens in isolated positions, where they will
invite, and ought to satisfy, special criticism — knowledge of habit, and
experience in pruning, will be indispensable. Melancholy results
must inevitably ensue from ignorance or inattention ; and I have
shuddered to see examples of both in long lanky trees, without any
lateral shoots, flowerless and leafless for three-fourths of their height,
reminding one of those shorn disgusting poodles, profanely termed by
their proprietors " lions," as they stand upon their execrable hind-
legs to beg. But not upon them — not upon the helpless object — but
on the barbarous owner, we must expend our noble rage j upon those

K

146 , THE GARDENER. [April

who have brought innocent loveliness to the whipping-post, or rather
the pillory, and compelled her to look the words which St Shneon
Stylites moaned —

** Patient on this tall pillar, I have borne
Rain, wind, frost, heat, hail, damp, and sleet, and snow. "

The best plan of growing these Eoses, which a long experience has
taught me, is this : To prepare and enrich your soil as I have
advised in chapters vi. and vii., and then to fix firmly therein the pillar
which is to support the trees. Of what material is this pillar to be 1 —
Avood or iron 1 The former commends itself to the eye (and the pocket)
at once ; and I well remember the satisfaction with which I surveyed
an early experiment with larch poles, well charred and tarred, driven
deep into the ground, and looking from the very first so very rustic
and natural. The Rose-trees grew luxuriantly, and for three or four
summers I esteemed myself invincible in the game of pyramids.
Then one night there came heavy rain, attended by a hurricane, and
when I went out next morning, two of my best trees were lying flat
upon the ground, with their roots exposed (the poles, having decayed
near the surface, had snapped suddenly) ; and several others were
leaning like the tower at Pisa, some hopelessly displaced, and others
deformed and broken. Fallen, and about to fall, they looked as
though their liquid manure had been mixed too strong for them, and
had made them superlatively drunk. Shortly afterwards I had another
disaster, caused by a similar decay — the top of a pole, in which two
iron arches met each other, giving way to a boisterous wind, and so
causing a divorcement between Brennus and Adelaide d' Orleans, long
and lovingly united. I would therefore advise, not dwelling upon
other disadvantages resulting from the use of wood — such as the pro-
duction of fungi, and the open house which it provides for insects —
that the supports for Pillar Eoses be of iron. ;N"eatly made and
painted, tastefully and sparingly posed, they are never unsightly ;
and, enduring as long as the trees themselves, will in the end repay
that first outlay which makes them, for some time, an expensive
luxury.

The height and thickness of these single rods will be determined by
the position to be occupied, from 5 to 8 feet above the ground being
the most common altitudes, and the circumference varying from IJ
to 3 inches. Below the surface, their tripod prongs must be deeply
and securely fixed from 1 foot to 18 inches in the soil, so as to bear
any weight of flowers and foliage, and defy all the royal artillery of
^olus. For arches, the rods may be 7 or 8 feet from the ground, and
8 or 9 feet apart.

1869.] ' THE ROSE. 147

The ground and supports being prepared, a selection may be made
from the list subjoined of varieties, vigorous and beautiful (as the
recruiting sergeant picks out for the Guards the more robust examples
of humanity) ; and these, whether on their own roots, or worked upon
brier or manetti stocks, according to their habit and the character of
the soil, should be planted in IN^ovember, and safely tied to their rods.
Tarred twine is the best material for the latter purpose, being cheap,
durable, and to be had in different thicknesses, according to the
strength required. Prune closely in the following March, removing
three-fourths of your wood, so as to insure a grand growth in the
summer, which, moderately shortened in the succeeding spring, should
furnish your pillar, from soil to summit, with flowering lateral shoots.
By the time your tree has attained the dimensions required, your
observation will have taught you how, for the future, so to prune it
that you may be sure of an annual bloom, cutting away all weakly
wood, and regulating the general growth with an eye both to form
and florescence. As with a Vine, only put a strong cane into a rich
border, use the knife courageously, and be sure of Grapes.

As single specimens of Pillar Roses, the following may be tried with
confidence : —
Anna Alexieff* free in growth, in foliage, and flowers — the latter of a fresh

pure rose-colour, which makes the tree very distinct and charming.
Auguste Mie, an old favourite, having well -shaped globular flowers, of a deli-
cate pearly -pink complexion, and blooming freely both in summer and
autumn.
Baronne Prevost, another noble, vigorous old lady, still holding her own in
general society, if not at levees and balls {i.e., at the Rose shows). The
flowers are very large, fragrant, and of a true rose-colour. Colonel Rouge-
mont, closely resembling the Baroness, and in some points superior, is of a
more weakly condition, and therefore less adapted for a Pillar Rose.
Caroline de Sansales, with outer petals of a pale flesh colour, deepening to-
wards the centre, is a very lovely Rose, and still among the best of our light -
coloured varieties.
Comte de Nanteuil, from its abundance, depth, and arrangement of petal, is quite
one of our best show Roses, although its complexion — bright rose on the tree —
^'rose vif," as the French term it — does not pass through the ordeal of exhibi-
tion so triumphantly as its grand and graceful form.
Duchesse de Camhaceres, of robust habit (if Her Grace will pardon the expres-
sion), profuse and continuous in bloom ; makes an admirable Pillar Rose. So
do the two other Graces, namely : —
Diichess of Norfolk,'^ with her bright, deep crimson flowers, her large and glossy
leaves, and

* All the Roses in this list, except Gloire de Bourdeaux, Gloire de Dijon, and
Jaune Desprez, are of the Hybrid Perpetual family.

+ This Rose grows wonderfully on the manetti, and I received some years ago
from Messrs Wood, of Maresfield, two specimens, which had made, in their first
summer, shoots 18 feet long from the "bud."

148 THE GARDENER. [April

Duchess of Sutherland, introduced by Monsieur Laffay in 1839, but still fresh,
fair, and fragrant ; and though surpassed as a model flower, a beautiful addi-
tion to the Rose-garden.

Eugene Appcrt is very effective for the purpose under consideration, being con-
spicuous for the intensity of its glowing crimson hues, and its dark-green
lustrous leaves.

General Jacqueminot, for so many summers the Rose of our gardens, is still a
glory and grace, its petals, soft and smooth as velvet, glowing with vivid crim-
son, and its growth being free and healthful. I well remember the time when
we welcomed this conquering hero, in his brilliant uniform, as being invincible ;
but development in Roses is no theory, as in certain schools of theology, but a
sure reality, and the General must now pale bis ineffectual fire in the presence
of such Roses as Charles Lefebvre. As a Pillar Rose, notwithstanding, he is
not surpassed.

Gloire de Bourdeaux is a Tea-Noisette, or rather it is classified among the Teas,
and is a Noisette. It has been known latterly in the catalogues as Belle de
Bourdeaux — Bacchus, as I suppose, having expostulated with Flora, and con-
vinced her that the real glory of Bourdeaux is its wine — its Lafitte, Latour, and
La Rose, of another description. Its numerous flowers are interesting — individ-
ually, from the striking contrast between the colours on cither side of the
petals, these being of a rosy lilac without, and within of a pale silvery flesh
colour ; and en masse, effective and showy. It " grows like a willow," to use
a gardener's phrase, much resembling in habit

Gloire de Dijon, described among the Climbers, but excellent in every phase.
Like Phyllis, it " never fails to please;" unlike Phyllis, it is never " coy."

Jaune Desprez, Noisette. — Phoebus, what a name ! Little thought poor Monsieur
Desprez, when he sent out his seedling in the pride of his heart, that it would
associate his name throughout the Rose-loving world with jaundice and bilious
fever. Yellow Desprez, moreover, is not yellow,^but buff or fawn colour, delici-
ously fragrant, of beautiful foliage, blooms freely in autumn, and makes, with
careful culture, a pretty Pillar Rose.

Jean Goujon, a handsome, healthful giant, with grand, well-shaped flowers of a
deep rose-colour, well deserves a place in the front rank of Queen Rosa's
Grenadier Guards.

Jules Margottin bears the honoured name of one who has enriched our Rose-
gardens with many a precious treasure — Mons. Margottin of Bourg-la-Reine,
near Paris ; and no column could declare his praises so suitably, or perpetuate

; his fame so surely, as a pillar of this lovely Rose. I would rather that a pyra-
mid of its sweet bright flowers bloomed above my grave, than have the fairest
monument which art could raise. But " there's time enough for that," as the
young lady observed to her poetical lover, when he promised her a first-class
epitaph.

La Heine, once Queen of the Hybrid Perpetuals, is still a most royal Rose ; and,
with the attention which royalty has a right to expect, will give magnificent
blooms in a genial — that is, in a hot sunny — season. In wet or cold summers
the immense buds do not open kindly. It is not, in fact, to be relied upon,
like

La Ville de St Denis, which, faithful as she is fair, and bounteous as she is beauti-
ful, always gladdens us with flowers of exquisite symmetry, and of a deep fresh
rosy pink.

Leopold Premier well deserves his title — I do not mean as Roi des Beiges, but as
a Rose de la premiere qualite among the deep-red varieties. There is a lovely

1869.] THE ROSE. U9

tinge of violet in its large symmetrical flowers, which makes it specially
charming.

Lord Raglan is somewhat uncertain, but in his happiest mood superb, super-
lative. A sunbeam in a goblet of Burgundy may give you some idea of his
mingled hues — crimson, purple, and glowing red ; but all words of mine are
powerless. So let him go, and we will drink the Burgundy in honour of those
most winsome dames — ■

Madame Boll, whose foliage alone, with the dew on it, is worth a getting up at
sunrise to see, but having flowers to correspond of an immense size, exquisite
form, and of a clear bright rose-colour.

Madame Boutin, one of our most certain and charming Roses, of a light cherry
crimson, or cerise hue, and of perfect shape ; well described in a French
catalogue as " hien falte, beau rouge, cerise vify

Madame Clemence Joigneaux. — Were I asked to point out a Rose-tree which I
considered a specimen of healthful habit and good constitution, I know of
none which I should prefer before M. C. J., with its long, strong, sapful
shoots, its broad, clear, shining leaves, and its grand, cupped, carmine

• flowers.

Marechal Vaillant well merits his baton for distinguished conduct in the garden ;
and, in his bright crimson uniform, is never absent from his post, nor ever
fails to distinguish himself when the wars of the Roses are fought in the
tented field.

Orifiamme de St Louis, somewhat loose and tattered in its folds (petals), as ancient
standards are, but of a brilliant, dazzling (eblouissant) scarlet, sufl'used with a
peculiar blue violet tint. In complexion, at all events, a son worthy of his sire,
being ^' issioe de la Rose, General Jacqueminot/'

Souvenir de la Reine d' Angleterre, one of the largest Roses in cultivation, and,
though seldom supplying the symmetrical blooms which are required for the
keen eye of a censor, a beautiful and effective Pillar Rose. The colour of its
flower is a soft rosy pink.

Triomphe de V Exposition is another Rose to be admired in our gardens as a tree
rather than scrutinised at our shows as a flower. It bears an abundance of
bright crimson and charming Roses, of good shape, but of medium size.

There are, doubtless, several other Hybrid Perpetual Roses which
may be grown as successful specimens of the Pillar Rose, but I
have only enumerated those which I have proved. Charles Lefebvre,
Prangois Lacharme, and Madame Rivers, for example, have been
commended by some rosarians for the purpose, but they have not
succeeded with me in that special department, though, of course, I
grow them abundantly, and shall presently speak their praise. Again,
I have not included among the single specimens certain varieties, as
beautiful perhaps as any which are there, but more appropriate to
form centre-pieces of beds, to be placed at the back of beds, or on
either side of walks with other Roses j because, only blooming once,
they are wont to look conspicuously dreary, in solitude and separation,
when their summer flowers have fallen. No Rose-trees can be more
admirably adapted for the pyramidal form, owing to tlieir luxuriant
growth and bloom, than —

150 THE GARDENER. [April

Blairii 2, a perplexing title (transposed to "Bleary Eye" by a cottager of my
acquaintance), until we receive the explanation that the Rose was one of two
seedlings raised by Mr Blair of Stamford Hill, near London. No. 1 is worth-
less, but No. 2, with its large globular flowers, the petals deepening from a most
delicate flesh colour without to a deep rosy blush within, is a gem of purest
ray serene. A bloom of it, cut from the tree before it was fully expanded,
in the intermediate state between a bud and a Rose, and tastefully placed with
a frond of Adiantum (Cuneatum, Sanctsc Catharinse, or Tenerum) in her back
hair, would make even a Fury good-looking. It belongs to the hybrid China
family, as does

Brennus, far more happy as a Climbing Rose than when, scaling with his Gauls
the Tarpeiau rock, he woke up the geese who woke up the Romans to repel
him headlong, and to save their capital. It is a most free-growing, free-bloom-
ing variety, with large deep carmine flowers.

Charles Laioson, a hybrid from the Isle de Bourbon Rose, makes a noble specimen,
producing magnificent blooms of a bright glowing pink abundantly in all
seasons. This glorious Rose well deserves all those adjectives expressive of
beauty which, I begin to fear, my readers will regard as wearisome and vain re-
petitions. I can only plead that the epithets are true, and cry " Excuse tauto-
logy ! " as I once heard a parro* scream for the best part of a summer's day.

Chenedolle, hybrid China, is a v<;ry attractive garden Rose. Not "an article
which will bear the closest inspection " of anatomical eyes, but adding greatly
to the general effect of the Rosarium with its vivid crimson flowers.

Coupe dHehe, hybrid Bourbon, is perhaps a size smaller than we should have
expected Hebe's cup to be, considering the requirements of such inflammatoiy
personages as Jupiter, Mars, and Bacchus. Probably, when the gods set up a
butler, as they did on the dismissal of Hebe, in the person of Ganymede, they
may have enlarged their goblets ; but it was a fashion of the ancients, including
our own grandfathers, to take their wine from egg-cups and extinguishers of
glass. Be this as it may. Coupe d'Hebe is undoubtedly one of our most grace-
ful and refined Roses, exquisite in form and in colour, the latter a silvery
blush. Referring to a list of the Roses which I grew in 1851, I find that, of
434 varieties, 410 have been disannulled to make way for their betters ! Of the
two dozen which are in office still, three-fourths are climbing or decorative
Roses, and six only of sufficient merit to pass the ordeal of exhibition — namely,
Blairii 2, Cloth-of-Gold, Devoniensis, La Reine, Souvenir de Malmaison, and
Coupe d'H^b^.

There was another

General Jacqueminot, a hybrid China Rose, in high favour at that time; and though
he cannot compete with his modern namesake, his regimentals being neither so
well made nor so brilliant, he is still a very handsome hero, and forms, with his vig-
orous branches and fine large purple-crimson flowers, a fine Pillar Rose. So does

Juno, H. C, a Rose which, like the goddess, may justly complain of neglect, ap-
pearing in few gardens, and well deserving a place in all. I must allow that
Juno is sometimes " inconstant ; " nor does the son'owful fact surprise us, fore-
knowing the provocation of her husband Jupiter ; but she is, generally, all that
a good Rose ought to be, and then most divinely fair. "We have so few Roses
of her pale delicate complexion, that, until we are favoured with more Per-
petuals of the Caroline de Sansales style, Juno is a most valuable Rose, large and
full, and, in her best phase, an effective flower for exhibition.
Paul Perras, H. B., is another valuable Rose in this section, of robust growth, and
producing plentifully its well-shaped blooms, of a light rose-colour.

1869.] THE ROSE. . 151

Paul Ricaut, H. B., was once the swell of the period, the D'Orsay in our beau
monde of Roses ; and though no longer a leader of fashion, he is still a very
attractive member of society. Upon the tree its large, closely-petalled, rich
crimson flowers are most beautiful ; but it is not reliable as a show Rose, ex-
panding rapidly, and too often displaying a large " eye," on his arrival at the
Exhibition, as though astonished by the splendour of the scene.

Arclies and arcades are graceful, because natural, forms, quas Natura
sua sponte suggenit, as we read in our Oxford Logic, in which to grow
varieties of the Eose having long, lissom, drooping branches. All
the CKmbing Eoses selected in the preceding chapter, except the
Banksian, which must have a wall, are admirable for the purpose —
the Ayrshire and Sempervirens being the first to fulfil their mission,
covering the framework in two or three summers with their white
clustering Eoses and deep - green glossy leaves. Of the Noisettes,
Gloire de Dijon, Marechal Mel, and Solfaterre, are sure successes ;
Cloth-of-Gold and Lamarque doubtful. M. Niel is specially adapted
for this form of Eose-growing, from the pendulous habit of its glorious
golden blooms. Walking beneath, you are privileged to see them
with all their charms displayed ; and never yet was arch of triumph
reared to compare with this in beauty. All the summer Eoses which
I have selected for pillars, omitting Paul Eicaut, are equally to be
commended for arches also, and soon meet each other upon them
when generously and judiciously treated. To the latter I would add
Triomphe de Bayeux, Hybrid China, a variety of remarkable vigour,
with delicate flowers, resembling those of a Tea-scented Eose, and
invaluable in the bud for bouquets and button-holes.

Where windows and walls are otherwise inaccessible, a long spider-
broom, in the hands of an experienced housemaid, is a most efiicacious
weapon, and some of us can remember how, in our younger days, we
watched its aggressive evolutions with gladness and approbation ; but
who would think of cutting it in twain, and of staking the upper half
in his Eose-garden ? Yet have I seen objects suggestive of such an
operation in those very

TALL STANDAEDS

which are still to be found in some collections, but which, were I Czar
and Autocrat of all the Eoses, would soon find themselves, like other
foolish Poles, in exile. Their appearance is unhappy ; there is no
congruity between stock and scion, no union between horse and rider
— an exposition, on the contrary, of mutual discomfort, as though the
monkey were to mount the giraffe. The proprietors, it would seem,
have been misled by an impression that the vigour of the Briar would

152 THE GARDENER. ^ [April

be imparted to the Rose, -whereas the superabundance of sap has been
fatal. Food, continuous and compulsory, which it could not assimi-
late or digest, has induced a sickly surfeit ; and the wretched Rose is
stupefied, and looks so, with a determination of blood to the head.
Are we then to discard entirely those standard trees described to us
in the catalogues as "extra tall" 1 Is Rriareus the giant to be again
buried beneath Mount Etna — i.e., the rubbish -heap *? Certainly not.
He may do us good service, kindly treated, and be made to look most
imposing in our gardens, holding a fair bouquet of Roses in each of
his hundred hands. I mean that the vigorous Briars, from 6 to 8 feet
in height, may be converted into

WEEPI^^G ROSE-TREES,

which, properly trained, are very beautiful. Buds of the Ayrshire
and Evergreen Roses, of Amadis and Gracilis, Boursaults or of Blairii
2, Hybrid China, should be inserted, in three or four laterals, at the
top of such standards as have been selected for their health as well
as their height. Closely pruned the following spring, they may be
transplanted from the nursery, or from the private budding-ground, in
the autumn, and the removal must be effected with every possible
care and attention. I would advise that these tall specimens be
moved somewhat earlier than the usual time for transplanting, so that,
when firmly secured in their place, and freely watered, they may be
induced to make roots, and gain some hold of the ground before the
winter begins. A strong iron stake, set side by side with the stem,
and surrounding it just below the junction of the buds with a semi-
globular framework, the whole apparatus resembling a parasol with a
quadruple allowance of stick, will be the best support for the tree
(fixed deeply in the ground, of course, as directed for the Pillar Roses),
and mil enable the amateur to dispose the branches at regular intervals,
so that they will finally form a fair dome of Roses — such a floral foun-
tain as may have played in the fancy of our Laureate, when he wrote

" The white Rose weeps, she is late."

And now we have passed through the Rose-clad walls — through the
Rose-wreathed colonnades and courts of the outer palace — into the
anteroom of that presence-chamber where we shall see, in brilliant
assemblage, the beauty and the chivalry of the Queen of Elowers.
"We will pause awhile that we may arrange simultaneously our nerves
and our court costume, the former troubled by a horrible suspicion
that every eye is gazing derisively upon our black silk legs ; and then
let us enter to make, if that abominable sword permit, our loyal and
devout obeisance. S. Reynolds Hole.

1869.] FRUIT-CULTURE. 153

FKUIT-CULTUE-E.

THE VINE.

{Continued from page 75.)

A SUBJECT in connection with the formation of Vine-borders which is
of no small consequence is the exclusion of wire-worm from them.
If the soil is taken from pasture-land, or any land under grass, wire-
worm will abound if the soil is taken from the field in fresh
weather ; but if taken not more than 4 inches deep, and during sharp
frost, the worm, and all other insects, will be left in the field, for they
descend beyond that depth to avoid the frost. We have always acted
on this suggestion, and never have had wire-worm in a Vine-border.
When this pest is in the border, pieces of carrot or potato placed at
intervals of one foot all over it, and covered with the soil, having a
sharp-pointed stick stuck in each by which to lift and examine them
daily, will soon clear the soil of them, though in the interval they
not unfrequently do much damage to the roots of the Vine ; therefore
prevention is better than cure in this, as in every other case of the sort.
There are many at the present day w^ho are anxious to grow Grapes,
yet have no access to parks or pastures where they can get maiden
loam, and to whom we say, Do not let this deter you. Take the
common soil of your garden ; if it is heavy calcareous soil, mix it with
road-scrapings, old lime-rubbish, or burnt clay, and throw it into
sharp ridges for the winter. During dry weather mix with it some
portion of farmyard manure, a few bones, and wood-ashes if you can
get them, and a few bushels of superphosphate of lime. Turn it over
in frosty weather, and this will form the staple of your border. Make
an effort to get a few cart-loads of fresh loam from the side of some
road, ditch, or common ; mix this with a portion of decayed stable-
manure, a few finely-ground bones, and a little old lime-rubbish. See
that the whole is kept dry till wanted, then use it for the immediate
planting of the Vines, and it will give them a start. After passing through
it, they will thrive well in the soil of the garden made up as described.
We have a neighbour who is a keen amateur Vine-grower. His Vines
were planted as here described in a few loads of good soil about
fourteen years ago. They have ever since then been allowed to ramble
at will in the common soil of his garden, which is light and poor. He
covers the border, or rather that portion of his garden which the roots
traverse, annually with a layer of cow-manure 4 inches in depth, and
allows it to wash into the soil and feed the roots, the consequence of
which is, that they are found in abundance close to the surface; and his
crops of Grapes, especially his Muscats, are the admiration of all who
see them. The house is span-roofed exactly like the woodcut in this

154

THE GARDENER.

[April

paper. During very hot dry weather he waters freely with liquid man-
ure made by mixing sheep and cow dung in water, with a handful
of guano added, and sometimes soot.

w

W/'/^^'y//y-///////./7/f/,//////,7//^^'' ■■

Our ideal of a Vine-border would be some 12 or 14 feet of a border
made of such compost as we described in the first of these papers,
terminating in a weU-formed Asparagus -plantation, which was not
likely to be disturbed for a generation at least, and where the Vine-
roots could rove at pleasure. Such a border as that we formed for a
Muscat-house at Wrotham Park, in the county of Middlesex, in 1848,
with the drawback, that there was a walk between the Vine-border
and the Asparagus -brake. We, however, made the walk of such
materials that the roots could easily cross it ; and in reply to queries
Ave have lately addressed to Mr Edlington, under whose able manage-
ment the house is at this time, we have the following : "The roots of
the Muscat Vines have traversed the border, which is 15 feet wide,
passed underneath the walk at a depth of 2 feet, where they are as
thick as walking-sticks, and are to be found in abundance at a dis-
tance of 60 feet across the Asparagus-brake, in which they seem to
luxuriate amazingly. The Vines are in fine health, and every year
they bear enormous crops without a single shanked berry." Our own
opinion is, that no house in Britain has produced the same weight of
fruit in proportion to its size that the one in question has done within
these twenty years, and in great measure, as we think, owing to the
access of the roots of the Vines to the Asparagus-ground.

1869.] FRUIT-CULTURE. 155

A great deal lias been written about the evils resulting to Vines
from the descent of their roots to the subsoil, when that is of a hurtful
character. This may in great measure be avoided by kindness to
them on the surface of the border, where there is reason to suspect
that their tendency is downwards. The surface-soil should be re-
moved till they are reached. A number of the small ones should be
carefully extricated from the soil in which they are going down, and a
little nice compost laid under and over them ; and it will be found that
they will grow and branch in this new soil, and become the staple sup-
port of the Vine. A little attention of this sort once in two years will
keep them near the surface, where they can easily be fed with liquid
manure during the season of growth ; for be it ever remembered, that
when the Vine has plenty of healthy foliage on it, there is little danger
of overfeeding it if the drainage is good. Some Vines may be fed
till their berries become double their ordinary size ; but, on the other
hand, we have known the flavour injured by overfeeding. This, how-
ever, rarely takes place if the liquid is not stronger than 2 ounces of
Peruvian guano to the gallon of soft water. We once grew a dozen
plants of the Duchess of Buccleuch Grape in large earthenware pans
about 18 inches deep and 3 feet wide, and gave them an excess of
liquid manure, the result being that the berries were double the size
we have ever seen them when grown any other way. They were, in
fact, like average Hamburgs, and the flavour no way deteriorated.
We took two successive crops from them in the same soil, and we
believe we might have gone on cropping them for other two years had
we been able to give them house-room. We believe that many people
water what they call the Vine-border when the feeding-roots are far
beyond its boundary, and they might save themselves the trouble for
any good it will do.

We have planted a house 60 feet long with Vines, all except two of
which will be constantly subject to bottom-heat from hot-water pipes
under pavement, as shown in fig. 1 in the January number.

This house was designed for a Cucumber-house, and has a pit in it
2 feet deep by 5 feet wdde. The roots cannot escape from the pit,
nor is there any means of shutting off the bottom-heat. The two
Vines that have no bottom-heat are planted over a rain-water tank.
It may justly be remarked that this is not a fair test of the value of
moderate bottom-heat for Vines, as it is to be applied in full force
during the whole forcing season, especially as the house is to be the
earliest one. Grant it ; but it will be one that those who condemn
bottom-heat for Vines cannot object to ; and the two Vines that will
have no bottom-heat will be there to testify against it if it is an evil.

W. T.

156 THE GARDENER. [April

THE EDUCATION OF GARDENERS.

As you invite correspondence on this "vexed" question, allow me
to offer a few remarks on the paper of A. W. in the ' Gardener ' for
March. Although I do not profess to attempt the solution of this
question, nor to say that I quite understand what A. W. exactly means,
there are certain rather lamentable statements in his paper, which, as
they appear to me, are easily enough understood. And these state-
ments are such, that when first read they create the inclination to fling
them, as an insult to gardeners and gardening, back at A. W. " with
all the force of a battering-ram." Such as "the true definition of
gardening is dress and keep ;" " There can be no connection between
gardening and science ;" "It follows that speculative" (by which it is
supposed A. W. means theoretical) " knowledge is useless in learning
the trade of gardening, for it is a practical business; the man, therefore,
must exercise his hands." Surely this is bringing us down to the
lowest level of rule of thumb, or to something little better than the
instinct of the inferior animals ! What would the medical faculty
think were any one to say that the true definition of their profession
is. Keep your patient's face clean and his hair well brushed ; there
is no need to study his stomach^ What would the general think
were any one (I sincerely hope A. W. is not a gardener) to say to him
that the true definition of war was just pipeclay and blacking 1 There
is a legend in the Highlands which speaks of a man who carried his
head under his arm. What a capital gardener he would have made,
could he just exercise his hands ! Yet in the midst of all this con-
demnation of theoretical learning or knowledge A. W. writes about
" the first principles of the practical." But finding these and such
sentences as "knowledge is power — an intellectual substance," one is
tempted to say — what they hope — that A. W. cannot be accepted as
an authority on the necessity or non-necessity of theoretical knowledge
or a " theoretical intellectual substance " in fitting a man for being an
intelligent practical gardener. But conceiving that the drift of A. W.
is to show that theoretical knowledge — say, for instance, of the structure
and functions of plants, or of any of the sciences, which, as clever men
are teaching us, bear upon the many points of horticulture — is of no
service in the practice of that profession, I can abstract no other
meaning from his remarks. I beg to differ widely from him, and
have no hesitation in saying that the gardener who has not studied
the structure and functions of plants, to say nothing of the many other
principles with which a gardener has to do, labours under a very great
disadvantage, as compared with the man who has acquainted himself

1869.] THE EDUCATION OF GARDENERS. 157

with these matters. If this is not correct, then such men as Knight,
Liudley, and Liebig have siDent their strength for nought.

While holding this doctrine, I am by no means indifferent to the
surface-gloss of " dress and keep ; " but for anysake don't let us be
degraded by saying that these two words are a " true definition " of
gardening. Some places, no doubt, would be improved by a little
more of this definition, but we have known some place so " dressed
and kept " that there was scarcely any gardening left about them. I
may be told, '' Oh ! see what splendid specimens of plants and fruits
Mr So-and-so grows, and no one will give him credit for any know-
ledge of the functions of plants, or anything else that science teaches,"
and he is far more celebrated for incessant noise among pots and pans
than for anything besides. This, I hold, proves nothing against
theoretical knowledge. And though it must be granted that one
man seems to have an intuitive knowledge of the requirements of
plants, this does not prove that such a man would not be improved
by a sound theoretical knowledge of what is involved in his practice.
It may prove that nature has endowed one man with a better capacity
for the practice of gardening than another — nothing more. And I
am persuaded that if we were to look a little more closely into the
lives and gardening practice of those who are considered gardeners
by intuition, we would find their success to depend on a restless
nervous disposition, application, and perseverance ; and who will say,
that, if in conjunction with these qualities — without which never man
became great in anything — they had just to some extent mastered a
little vegetable physiology, chemistry, and natural philosophy, they
would not have been saved many a blunder, many a tumbling among
pots and pans, and have become better gardeners, still better members
of society, and men from whom we would learn more'? The extra-
ordinary results effected by sheer industry and perseverance, in con-
junction with, or rather as the result of, a love of gardening for its
own sake, are no doubt calculated to lead many to doubt if any-
thing more be desirable in the make-up of a gardener. Now, I am
as deeply impressed as any one can be, as the result of my own
observation and experience, that in gardening, as in every other voca-
tion, some youths will never shine; but I hold at the same time that
it cannot be demonstrated that the garden-loving and persevering rule-
of-thumb man would not be improved by a sound theoretical know-
ledge of the operations he is called upon to conduct or perform, and
all who are aspirants in this humble walk of life cannot neglect such
knowledge with impunity.

This again involves to some considerable extent what is properly
termed a school education as a prior training for the mind, and furnish-
ing it with the tools and habits of accumulating and applying the

158 THE GARDENER. [April

knowledge necessary for practical life. And who are there amongst our
leading gardeners who have not felt their loss on this point, or are
content to let their sons into the world with the meagre elementary-
education with which they were compelled to begin their profession *?
And although we hnd men amongst gardeners, who for general informa-
tion would be no disgrace to any society, and who can commit their
thoughts and views to writing with a clearness and force which sur-
prise their " betters " — to what do they owe these advantages 1 cer-
tainly not to a neglect of theoretical knowledge, nor to the neglect of
elementary school education, but, to their honour be it spoken, to their
self -tuition and culture, to their self-denial and self-respect and per-
severance. Apart from this view of education, it is exceedingly desir-
able that gardeners introduced to the management of such gardens as
are designated good situations, should be men who have at least such
a measure of education as will be one of the means of raising the
status of a profession which adds so much to the pleasure, luxury, and
civilisation of the whole community. It is much to be regretted and
reprobated, too, that men who have so thrown away their opportuni-
ties, and neglected themselves so much, that as a consequence they
cannot write a note of half-a-dozen lines without in the most grot-
esque manner possible violating the commonest and all the rules of
grammar, should by some extraneous influence be introduced to the
care of first and second rate gardens. These are the men who accept
low wages, and hang as a dead weight on the profession. I say. Save
our gardens from such men ! I could name cases where the most
illiterate men, and unproved gardeners too, are thus succeeding to good
places, and on whom what I have said is no libel.

A word to young gardeners. If you do not acquire the education
necessary to play your part well, not merely as an intelligent practical
gardener, but somewhat in unison with the age in which your lot is
cast, it is your own fault ; and the sooner you give up a profession
which requires so much forethought and intelligence, the better for it
and for you. You have plenty of spare time. A few shillings can
purchase all the books and material which are needed to raise your
education beyond contempt, and to pursue the many points of your
profession with intelligence. Genius is not necessary. Genius has
been described as common sense intensified ; industry and dogged
perseverance would make geniuses of most of us. Dr Johnson
once said that some men learned more by the tour of Hampstead
Heath than others did by the tour of Europe. And why 1 Because
the one had acquired the habit of noticing, and the other had not.
That is one of the grandest faculties that ever entered a garden.
Noticing! while you learn to "wield the ponderous spade " with dex-
terity, remember that " elegance, chief grace the garden shows, is the

1869.] THE EDUCATION OF GARDENERS. 159

fair result of thought," and try at the same time to penetrate into
the fibre of the phenomena which are presented to you every day
in the garden. "Genius is patience;" so said Buffon, and he was
constitutionally indolent, and born to good estate. But instead of
indulging his besetting feature of character, he denied himself ; and
I hope most of my young readers know something of what he
accomplished by patient application, and throw to the winds the
idea that they must be born geniuses in order to succeed. Activity
and attention in the garden, and self-culture in their spare hours,
will prove their own reward. Some walk as if there were a millstone
at every foot, and as if the garden were a loitering-ground, and spend
their time as if they had no mind to cultivate, and had nothing above
their mustache to be of any value to them. Such men will seldom
find fortune on their side, as the winds and the waves are on the
side of the accomplished mariners.

It may be said that the garden is no field for scholarship to reap
that reward which it deserves. In its present prospect it certainly is
not. It is nevertheless a sphere which gives vast scope for that re-
search and study, to pursue which with intelligence and success it is
necessary that a youth should at least have a sound elementary school
education. I know full well that young gardeners have a deal to dis-
courage them, and that the prospect before them is not the most stimu-
lating. But it is only the common story of life in general — the road
to success is not easy. It is well for human nature that it is so. But
depend upon it, success in gardening is not attained without hard
work. Many are disheartened because they cannot get to the top of
the ladder without taking the intermediate steps. I once read of an
architect who travelled all the classical lands of the East for improve-
ment, and without friends determined to begin anywhere ; and ac-
cordingly took a business connected with dilapidations — the lowest
and least remunerative department of his calling. And one hot day
in July a friend found him astride a roof, and, wiping the sweat from
his brow, said, " Here's a pretty business for a man who has studied
all the classical architecture of Greece and Rome." He did his work
well, and rose to the top of his profession. Again, some consider
themselves born to ill-luck, like the unsuccessful man who mourned
over his misfortunes, and declared if he had chosen the trade of hatter
people would then have been born without heads. But such men, it
will be found on investigation, are as a rule reaping the reward of
their own neglect. It is a mistake to suppose that because a young
gardener cannot get into a first-rate place for his first, the way of
further success is barred to him. But let him do his work well in the
smallest, and the chances are, not that he will remain there, but that
he wiU climb to the highest. David Thomson.

IGO THE GARDENER. [April

THE CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS.

THE PEAR.

( Concluded from page 1 1 .3. )

The only disease to which the Pear is liable in this country, so far
as I have ever seen or been able to ascertain, is canker : there may be
others of which I am not aware, but never having come under my
observation, I shall confine myself to this one, which at all events
works great havoc in many places. Various causes are assigned for
its appearance, and surrounding circumstances often come in for a
share of the blame. Any or all of these may to a great extent be the
cause of it, yet it is our firm opinion that where the trees planted
liave been selected to suit the climate, and treated something after the
fashion already recommended, the disease may at all events be greatly
modified, if not entirely prevented. Mr Thomson in the * Gardener's
Assistant,' see page 509, cautions against extremes of moisture and
dryness, and goes on to say that " where canker makes its appearance
the soil should not be made too rich, for over-luxuriance of growth
seems to encourage the disease, at least in our variable and ungenial
seasons." Now I find, in turning back to page 499 of the same work,
that he says, in speaking of the soil suitable for the Pear, that "it is
essential that the tree should start vigorously, and therefore, if the
soil is not naturally very rich, a compost in which to plant the tree
should be formed. A mixture of good turfy loam and farmyard
manure will be very suitable." Now I cannot reconcile these two facts,
that first he should recommend a very rich compost as being best suited
for the Pear, and afterwards say that the soil should not be too
rich, as such will encourage the disease. It is our opinion that the
soil he has recommended is exactly what the Pear requires and flour-
ishes best in, but that he makes a mistake in thinking that too rich a
border is the harbinger of this disease : in fact, the reverse is our opinion,
for we think that a poor and cold soil has far more to do with it than
anything else. Let any one who is troubled with canker make the
following experiment, and prove the fact for himself. His border may
be made up of the very best and most suitable soil for the Pear, and
he may be of opinion that over-richness is the cause of it. Let him,
however, examine, and he will find that the roots of his trees have gone
beyond the depth of his prepared border, and penetrated into the cold
and bad subsoil. Now I know it is a very prevalent belief that a
tree will not leave the good soil prepared for it and enter that which
is inferior in quality. All this I believe to be perfect moonshine, as
I have seen the reverse over and over again, one or two instances of

1869.] CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS. 161

whicli I may give. Seven or eight years ago I saw a vine-root at
Dalkeith, which had passed away from the well-made borders, pushed
its w&y through a broad gravel-walk, and was found a great distance
down in the vegetable ground — if I remember correctly, 73 or 93
feet from the vinery. The next case is that of a young vinery which
was planted here in April last year, and for which a border of 8
feet wide, 4 inside and 4 outside, was provided, of the best materials
to be had, and which was deemed sufficient to keep them growing
for the season. In January of this year, when removing the remainder
of this inside border, to be replaced with good soil for their further
progress, we found that hundreds of the roots of the young vines were
running through the cold sour material that formed the original border
made fifty years ago — many of these roots having penetrated to dis-
tances of 2 and 3 feet. We have brought forward these instances to prove
the fact that, plant in the best materials to be got, if you allow the tree
its own way it will in a short time penetrate the cold and unwholesome
subsoil, which will gradually poison the sap, the result of which will
be canker, and consequently premature decay. The true causes of
canker in the Pear or any other tree are twofold ; viz., a too cold and
too moist soil to live in. If the roots penetrate to a depth of 4 feet,
the fact is, that at that depth the soil is several degrees colder than
at 2 or 3 feet, and as a consequent result the tree is longer in a
dormant state, and has not the time and opportunities necessary for
making and ripening its wood. And further, at that depth the soil is
generally soaked with water, which surcharges the whole system of the
tree with aqueous matter ; and as there is no outlet for it in the shape
of perspiration until the season advances, the tree, when it begins to
grow, rushes into rapid growth, and makes what are called soft watery
shoots, which never ripen properly, and which tend to encourage the
disease. The only cure for canker is to lift all affected trees, remove
the deep-penetrating roots, drain the border thoroughly, plant the trees
afresh in a good sound compost, and attend regularly to root-pruning
for all time to come. If these things are attended to, we are very
sanguine that the results will prove good.

The insects which attack the Pear are more numerous than the
diseases. The first we will notice is the scale Aspidiotis ostreaeformis,
which is a very small insect (oyster-shaped, as the name indicates),
but which often does a vast amount of damage by attacking trunk
and branches as well as the fruit. It is always of the same colour as
the bark upon which it lodges, and being so small, it may pass a long
time unobserved, unless a strict watch is kept for its appearance.
They have a hard and shining look, and often are dotted all over the
branches like thousands of little specks, if allowed to breed to any

L

1G2 THE GARDENER. [April

extent. When tliey become very numerous, they not only lodge
upon and injure the bark, but also attack the fruit, which after being
attacked is almost useless for any purpose save the kitchen, as they
adhere so firmly to the skin that they cannot be removed without
much injury to the fruit. The best and most effectual cure for them
is to syringe the trees in winter with boiling water. This may be
done without the least fear of harm to the trees in mild open w^eather,
when they are quite dormant. Spirits of tar have been recommended,
is well as several other things — such as train and linseed oil — but to
paint a tree all over with any of these would be to adopt a cure
as injurious as the disease. The boiling water applied at the time we
have recommended, and directed over every branch and crevice of
the tree, will at once and for ever eradicate the whole colony.

The Aphis pyri-mali, or Pear -and -Apple fly, often makes great
havoc upon the young and tender leaves. One year they may be very
bad, the next they may not be seen to any extent, while the following
year they may begin with renewed vigour. They commit the whole of
their damage upon the leaves, inserting their proboscis into the leaf,
from which they drain the life-blood, after which the leaf withers and
dies. Mr M'Intosh, in his ' Book of the Garden, ' has recommended
several remedies, the best of which we believe to be syringing the
tree with a strong decoction of tobacco or tobacco liquor. He further
recommends " 1 lb. quicklime, 1 lb. snuff, 1 lb. sulphur vivum, J lb.
lamp-black, 1 lb. soft-soap, mixed together in water until the whole
forms into the consistency of thick paint, applied by a painter's brush
to the branches in February, taking care that every part of the tree is
covered with the mixture."

Another very destructive insect is the Curculio pyri, Mdiich by some
has been believed to be the same as Curculio pomorum, which attacks
the Apple. Although in a perfect state these two weevils are identical,
yet in their first stages of development they are w^idely separated, both
as regards their form and habits of life. The Apple weevil does not
commit such wholesale destruction as the one belonging to the Pear.
The one contents itself with the blossoms only, while the other attacks
flowers, flower-buds, as well as the wood-buds. Kollar has said re-
garding the Pear weevil of this family, that "if a Pear-tree is examined
at the time of blossoming, it will be seen that many buds are brown
at the points, as if affected by the hoar-frost. If these buds are ex-
amined closely, there will be found a dirty-white rugose maggot, with
a dark-brown head, which in time is changed to a small weevil. It is
scarcely more than 3 lines long, brown, with a white uneven band
almost in the middle of the elytra, and two black shoulder-spots, there-
fore perfectly like the Apple weevil. This insect probably passes the

1869.] CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS. 163

■winter under the bark, or in the earth near the stem [the latter position
being in our opinion the most likely place]. Early in spring, when
the Pear-tree begins to bud forth, the female lays her eggs in the buds,
which become brown by degrees, and fall off when the insect has
attained its most perfect state." As will be seen by the foregoing, the
destruction made is very complete ; and as it would be almost impos-
sible to gather the larvae with the hand, the most effectual cure is to
sacrifice the crops for the time being by removing every bud which
appears infested, and in the following year, early in spring, to bind a
piece of cloth round the stem of the tree of a few inches in breadth,
which must be painted over with tar, and have repeated paintings
whenever the first coat becomes dry, which will prevent the little insect
from rising out of her winter bed to make havoc for another year.

Luperus rufipes, or the red -footed beetle, is one of the greatest
enemies the Pear cultivator has to contend with. Its depredations
are confined to the foliage alone, but in the course of a few days it will
riddle almost every leaf upon a good-sized young tree if not caught and
destroyed. On a stock of young Pear-trees brought here last year I
found it to some considerable extent. Being from home for a few
days in the beginning of May, on my return I found about twelve
trees out of six dozen had suffered rather severely. When I left, no
trace of them was to be found ; and on my return I found one tree, in
particular, had nearly all its foliage destroyed. The leaves were per-
forated over and over, in many cases perfect skeletons, and those which
were not so much eaten were curled up, and from three to twelve of
its little enemies inside thereof. The body is of a dark shining or
maroon colour, while its feet are of a bright red, hence its name.
Like all the beetle family, it is rather impatient of strong sunshine,
and therefore commits its deeds in early morning, and from sunset
till dark. This, therefore, is the best time to destroy them ; but as
the least movement of the tree is sure to cause them all to drop to the
ground, much caution has to be exercised in order to get them — in
fact, approaching the tree in a quick hurried way will cause them to
drop. To destroy them, approach the tree with caution, spread a sheet
or two underneath it, and give the tree a gentle shake, when they will
drop thereupon ; then pick up the sheet, carry it away, and sink it for
the night into a tub of water. This done for two or three nights in
succession will probably destroy them all. There are several other
weevils and beetles which are said to infest the Pear to a greater or less
extent in Britain, but the foregoing being all with which we are
familiar, we must just refer the reader to the leading works upon
gardening, where the most of them are described.

There are several of the moth family which must be familiar to every

164 THE GARDENER. [April

Pear cultivator in Britain, and wliicli do no inconsiderable amount of
damage to the leaves and wood in some localities. The first of these
■which we shall notice is the Selandria atra, which is perhaps the most
common as well as the most curious of them all. In its caterpillar
state it is of a black slimy appearance, resembling very much the little
black slug so familiar to all kitchen-gardeners — hence is it popularly
known as the slug-worm. Their depredations are always committed
during the night, for although they generally remain during the day
on the under part of the foliage, they never appear to do any injury
there, as all the eating is done upon the upper surface. They change
their appearance several times, giving off a greenish skin, which is
followed by one of a buff colour. In a week or two after this trans-
formation they descend into the soil, where they remain till the fol-
lowing June, when they appear in their fly shape, and at once begin
the propagation of a fresh generation. The most effectual cure is to
syringe the trees affected with a strong decoction of tobacco-water, and
the best time to apply it is towards midnight, when they are sure to be
upon the upper surface of the leaf, and consequently in a better posi-
tion to receive the water.

Another of these most destructive insects is the Astyages hemero-
biella, but fortunately its visits are more limited than that of
the one just noticed. It may make its appearance once, and not
be seen again upon the same tree for years to come, or, at all
events, in very limited numbers. The caterpillar is of a lightish
brown colour, encased in a brown-coloured cylindrical case, from |
to f of an inch in length, from the under end of which the head of
the insect is from time to time thrust out. Its mode of attack is very
different from that of the Selandria. It attacks the upper surface of
the leaf, merely cutting through into the cuticle, when it places its
mouth upon the opening thus made, and, erecting itself into a standing
position, with its head down and at right angles with the leaf, it feeds
upon the parenchyma. In this manner it continues to work until it
has made an opening between the upper and under surface of the
leaf, when part of its body is introduced, so that it mines out the leaf
to a considerable distance round the place of its first entrance. Being
of a much larger size than the former one spoken of, it can be easily seen
and gathered by the hand ; but if they should be in great numbers, the
remedy recommended for the Selandria can be applied. These being
the two principal moths or caterpillars with which we are acquainted,
we shall refrain from enumerating any of the others, which are de-
scribed in many other garden works, and shall simply say that we
believe the most of those which attack the leaves of the Pear can be
destroyed, either by hand-picking, or syringing with tobacco-water. In

1S69.] CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS. 165

the case of those, however, which attack the flowers and the eyes of
the fruit, the case may be different, and for fuller and more accurate
information regarding them I must refer the reader to those works I
have already spoken about. We in this country have not nearly so
many living enemies to contend with in our Pear-cultivation as several
of our neighbours, but what we want in this respect is amply made up
to us in the shape of late spring-frosts and easterly winds.

It will be gathered from what has already been said, that a good
rich compost is necessary for the Pear. It is a very great mistake to
think, as many gentlemen do, that Pears, or in fact any sort of fruit,
will do well enough if planted in good garden mould, without any
additions being made thereunto. No doubt tolerably good results
attend the planting of them in this way in many places, but there can
be little doubt that much of the after disappointment and failure of
fruit crops is to be attributed to the Avant of the proper formation of
borders. "Where tolerable results are obtained without the formation
of good new borders, it is an evidence that the Pear suits the locality,
and that if new borders on a good principle had been made, fruit of
the very highest quality would have been the result. In the making
of fruit borders, the first thing to be attended to is the drainage,
which ought to be complete ; and for this purpose I would recommend
a drain of at least 3i feet in depth to be made every 15 to 30 feet,
according to the dampness or dryness of the locality. If a fall of 1
in 20 feet can be obtained, so much the better; and these drains should
run into a main drain near the box, to be carried off to the nearest
place of discharge. Where the rock is to be got at a depth of 3 or 3J
feet, as we have it here, the drain-tiles may be laid thereupon, and
with such for the bottom it is quite unnecessary to concrete or flag in
any way ; but where a cold deep subsoil exists it would be very advanta-
geous to do so, and place the tiles upon it. Upon this may be added 9
inches of good rough stones, or bricks broken up with a hammer, which
will leave about 2^ or 3 feet for the soil. We shall premise that the
required quantity of soil has been obtained from a good old pasture,
and been put up into a ridge for a few months. The best soil for the
Pear is a good rich mellow loam, not too light, but rather inclined to
be heavy. This having been obtained, let one load to at least every
eight be added of the best stable or farmyard manure, with charcoal
or wood ashes in considerable quantities, as well as a good addition of
crushed bones, where good fruit is more an object than the expense
incurred. Let these all be turned over once or twice to get thoroughly
incorporated, after w^hich it may be placed in the border after a layer
of green turf has been put therein, to prevent the soil from running
at once down through the ruble. This operation completed, the plant-

166 THE GARDENER. [April

ing of the trees may be proceeded with at once as already directed ;
and I may here state that a considerable gain is effected if tlie trees can
be procured and planted about the middle of October, or even earlier,
before the leaves fall. In the case of trees, however, which have to
come a long distance, this would be impracticable, as they would be-
come heated upon the journey, and consequently mucli injured.

We now come to speak of the distances which ought to be between
the trees at planting. This will depend entirely upon the mode of
training and the stock used for grafting. If the Quince has been
used, and the trees are intended for pyramids, the distance need not be
more than 12 feet, or 15 at the most. If on the Pear stock, the dis-
tance ought not to be less than 18 feet if intended for border lines; and
if intended for an Orchard plantation even more will be necessary, say
from 24 to 30 feet, according to the size they are to be allowed to
grow. If the trees are to be planted against the wall, the distances in
this case will be regulated by the height of the wall as well as the
stock used. For a wall of 8 feet in height the Quince will answer
very well, and the trees may be planted every 12 to 14 feet. Where
the wall is from 10 to 12 feet, or higher, the Pear will suit better as a
stock than the Quince, as it will grow quicker and fill up the space
sooner. For a wall 12 feet high, 18 to 20 feet is a good distance to
plant, while 20 to 24 will be better where the height is 15 or 16 feet.
It is seldom that walls are much higher than this, but a good guide to
planting is to put the trees one and a half times the distance from each
other that the wall is in height. When the trees deviate much either
way from this rul6, they do not look so proportionate or so well.
Nothing looks worse than to see trees upon a 15-feet wall planted
every 14 or 15 feet ; or, what is even worse, to see a 9-feet wall with
the trees planted 24 or 30 feet apart.

In concluding this chapter upon the Pear, it may not be out of
place to make a few remarks upon walls. It is now a demonstrated
fact, that of all materials used for garden walls, there is none so
suitable, or which answers the purposes of fruit -culture so well, as
brick. These, however, ought to be of the very best quality, as
nothing can be more teasing than to see the bricks decaying from
the effects of the weather, in the course of a few years after being
built. The difference between good and inferior bricks is very trifling,
while all the other materials and workmanship will be the same. The
good old rule, therefore, holds good in this as in other cases — viz.,
get a good material, pay a good price for it, and you will get good
satisfaction out of your bargain. The thickness of the wall will
depend entirely upon the height thereof. A wall 9 inches in thick-
ness— that is, one brick thick — should not be more than 6 or 7 feet

1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 167

high, as if higher they are sure to be soon affected by frost, rain, and
wind to such an extent that their security is doubtful. A wall from
6 to 12 feet should be 13|- inches thick — that is, one and a half brick —
which makes a very substantial wall, and at the same time does not
require piers to strengthen it, which, at best, mar the beauty of the
whole, while I am rather sceptical whether they met the end in view
or not. All walls above 12 feet ought to be 18 inches in thickness,
which will give them strength enough to resist the fiercest storms with
impunity. Walls of this thickness may with benefit be made hollow,
which does not in the least weaken them, while they are said to be
warmer than those built solid. Various materials have been used for
copings, but none answer the purpose so well as stone. Stone copings
are more expensive at first, but the cheapest in the end, as all sorts of
compositions are sure to crack in the course of time, and the rain
entering through these cracks destroys the wall. Copings ought to
rise in the middle and slope to the edge ; and I would recommend
that a gutter be cut along the edge 2 inches broad and one deep,
which would prevent the drip from falling, as it often does in great
quantities, upon the branches, foliage, and flowers of the trees, to their
great injury and hurt. If the coping is cemented together, the water
could be led through these gutters to small lead pipes placed every
hundred feet, which could empty themselves into the drains at the
bottom of the walls.

About most places the south walls are all covered with either
glass, Peaches, or Apricots. The next best situation must therefore
be selected for the Pear. Most gardens are so placed as to face the
sun from 10 to 11 a.m. In such a case the west side of the walls
will be the best fur the Pear, as it will not only be less exposed to the
easterly winds and spring frosts, but will therefore have one hour
more of the sun in this position than any other which could be assigned
to it, unless the south; and many varieties of the Pear merit the latter
position, which they do not often get. James M'Millan.

HIN"TS FOR AMATEURS.— APRIL.

In gardens where operations are as forward as they should be, every
part will now begin to assume a spring-like appearance. Where time
will allow, borders which have been turned up roughly may now be
broken down by the hoe ; or if stiff and tenacious, a four-pronged fork
may answer well. It may be advantageous not to rake the surface too
finely, as by this practice the soil becomes " caked," and weeds thrive

168 THE GARDENER. [April

better than any other plants. Among bushes and fruit-trees the
ground may remain in its rough state, if not wanted for cropping, and
free from weeds. All this kind of work can be regulated according to
strength of labour. Before expending time in " keeping and dressing,"
let the primary objects receive attention, which are the sowing of
seeds, planting, &c. However, when weeds show themselves, they
should be destroyed as early as possible ; it is economy to use the hoe
among them as soon as they can be seen above ground. It may be
necessary to weed with the hand among crops coming through the
soil ; the row^s can be gone over, and the spaces between them hoed
well; this is of great importance to the wellbeing of the crop, as well as
destroying the weeds. All paths, borders, and plots of ground should
now be gone over, and measured out to their size, taking the lengths
or widths from the walk-edgings. If borders are round the sides of
the walks for fruit-trees, &c., it is necessary to have narrow paths to
divide them from the vegetable plots, as well as to walk round
without treading upon either. Espaliers, when well managed, are of
a double service, by giving crops of fruit, and separating the vegetables
from the flower-borders. Nothing can be more distasteful to the eye
than to see borders of flowers, however beautiful and well kept, with
untidy vegetable ground immediately behind them. Shrubs of an
ornamental character are the best plants to use as a screen ; but Sweet
Peas, Scarlet Runners, or trained Roses, answer w^ell, though they do
not improve the appearance of the borders, there being no relief to the
eye. All growing crops require to have the hoe or fork freely among
them, keeping the surfaces open and healthy. Where drills were
drawn before planting Cauliflower and Cabbage, the hoe passed care-
fully among the plants will place the soil around their stems, and
act as a gentle earthing-up. On dry sandy soils a little manure or
leaf-mould, placed round each plant before hoeing, will be of great
service in aiding vigorous growth, and help to prevent premature
buttoning. Potato-planting should be brought to a close. When
the ground is well prepared and in a loose state, a strong dibbler for
planting them will get through the work speedily. Deeply -drawn
drills and a coating of leaf-mould placed in them is a good practice
when planting, especially for the Kidney kinds. To have them fine for
exhibition, planting widely apart, and using fresh turfy soil, will be a
great help. Those grown under protection will require covering at
nights for some time to come, weather is so deceiving till the end of
May. If weather is wet, it will be much against the sowing of small
seeds, which must be sown this month ; every dry opportunity lost is
a fresh risk. The value of old dry soil, however poor, stored up for
covering seeds sown on uncongenial soils, is known to cultivators in

1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 169

wet seasons, sucli as the present has been so far as it lias gone. As
there may be potting going on for some time, all old material should
be harvested in dry quarters if at disposal. Broccoli of all kinds may
now be sown in beds, or, what is better, shallow drills, and every sixth,
one left unsown, so that cleaning and weeding may be done without
treading among the plants. Walcheren, Autumn (Granger's), Snow's
Winter, Knight's Protecting, Gordon's Late and Carter's Champion, will
give a supply from autumn till Cauliflower comes in. Broccoli (German
greens of some), Cabbage of sorts, Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower, and
any other kinds of green vegetables for autumn and winter supply,
sliould be got in from the beginning to the middle of the month.
Broccolis require to be sown in succession to the middle of May in
Scotland, and to the first week of June in England, varying a little
according to latitude. Lettuce may be sown for succession in sm.all
quantities, and if ground can be spared the seed could be thinly
sprinkled in drills where the crop is to grow, on finely-broken well-
manured soil. The seedlings would soon appear, and could be thinned
out gradually as soon as they could be handled, and some of the best
thinnings planted behind a wall or other shady position to give a
succession. Bath Cos, Paris Cos, Imperial White Cos, All-the- Year-
round Cabbage, and Drumhead Cabbage, are among the best kinds we
have tried. Endive may be sown and treated the same as Lettuce,
but it requires more attention to blanching, by tying, &c., than
Lettuce. Parsley may be sown for succession, and as it takes long to
come through the ground, it is well to have two or three sowings. Shor-
top, French Breakfast, red and white Turnip Radish, maybe sown in small
quantities as required. Those growing may require to have coverings
of litter or other material given at night if frost prevails. Spinach
may be sown among other crops. Where the ground is loose and
rich it soon goes to seed, therefore it requires to be sown frequently.
New Zealand Spinach, sown in heat and grown on and planted out
when frost is past, is very useful in hot dry seasons. Turnips may
be sown in small pinches, and frequently, to keep up a supply of
young ones. White Dutch Snowball, Red Stone, and White Stone,
are good kinds for first, second, and late sowings. In some catalogues
we observe that Snowball and White Stone are given as the same
kinds, but we consider them very distinct. Snowball is handsomer and
whiter than the Stone. The latter comes in better for late autumn
supply. Beet may be sown late in the month, or left till May if not
required early. Sang's Own saved is one of the best out of a great
number we have had for trial. The last dry season it was exceedingly
fine on ordinary soil. All roots, however, do best on deep well-
worked soil free from fresh manure. Carrots may be sown for a main

170 THE GARDENER. [April

crop. A good plot of Carrots is seldom seen in gardens, and many
do not attempt to grow them. AVe have tried every plan tliat we
have heard or read of to grow Carrots free from the ravages of grubs,
but at times only with moderate success. Where Leeks were grown, and
a good mulching of grass-mowings given as soon as the Carrots were
thinned, and repeated dustings of soot in wet weather, we secured
an excellent crop one season, but partially failed the following. We
intend this season to sow Leek seed along with the Carrot, and mulch
as usual : if Leek is distasteful to the enemy, it will thus have the
nuisance always present. Sandy soil, not very rich, grows by far the
finest-flavoured Carrots ; heavy wet soil gives large roots, but they are
coarse. Early Horn, James's Scarlet, and Altringham, are good kinds
for general use (early and late).

More Peas may be sown, also broad Beans as formerly advertised.
Laxton's Prolific, Champion of England, Essex Rival, Harrison's Glory,
and the Prince, are kinds which will do well sown this month. Stake
Peas as soon as they are a few inches high ; much injury is often done
by allowing them to blow about with the wind. Asparagus (to keep
up a stock of plants) may be sown on deep light soil, if necessary, in
rows ; 18 inches apart will do. The seed should be sprinkled in thinly,
and covered an inch or two, making the soil fine with a rake. Kidney
Beans may be sown in a warm and sheltered position ; they often
perish in the ground when early sown, and are seldom so strong or
much earlier than those sown in the first or second week of May.
Scarlet Runners are of a similar nature ; we sometimes secure a good
early row by covering the plants with fiower-pots every night till frost
is past. A frame for a few weeks is most useful for protection ; when
they are required before the usual time, we employ a frame and a spent
hot-bed for latest forcing crop of French Beans, making use of the
frame for other purposes when done with for Beans. When sowing
seeds which are rather tender, it is well to expose the drills to the
sun for several hours, sowing and covering up dry and warm. A full
supply of Celery may be sown in a frame, or under hand-lights ; keep
the temperature even, and prevent the seedlings from becoming
either dry or sodden with wet. Prick out those that are fit to handle
on a bed (formed on a hard surface) of rotten manure, 3 inches or so
deep, and an inch or two of fine soil placed over the surface : put in
the seedlings, and water them thoroughly when they require it :
shade from hot sun. Hardy herbs and Rhubarb seed may be sown in
light soil if required. Salsify and Scorzonera may be sown and treated
like Parsnips, but not thinning so severely. Chicory is a useful plant
for lifting and blanching, its fresh-grown tops to be used with salad in
winter. All seeds sown in the open ground, which are devoured by

1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. IH

birds and slugs, should be looked after in due time. Red-lead, sown
with the seed, is often used with success against mice and birds ; wood-
ashes and coal-ashes, free from dust and the rough parts, are useful
against slugs. Nets to keep off birds are almost indispensable. If any
crops do not make their appearance above ground in due time, fresh
sowing should be made without delay : this applies to Onions, Carrots,
and Parsnips especially. If the ground is parched before sowing small
seeds, let the drills be watered and the seed sown, covering up at once.
Cucumbers for ridges, Vegetable Marrows, and Tomatoes, may be sown,
if not already done : let them be shifted to larger-sized pots before they
become pot-bound: keep them growing steadily, giving air in fine
weather, gradually hardening them till they can be planted out in their
permanent quarters. If Cucumber and Melon beds are falling m
temperature, give fresh linings with warm stable-dung : train the shoots
across the beds, but not crowding them. Pinch the tops out of
Cucumbers as soon as the fruit shows itself : do not let too many swell
at once j be guided by the strength of the plants. The shorter-grow-
ing kinds are most useful when their appearance is not a consideration.
When either Melons or Cucumbers are opening their flowers (female),
water should be withheld till the Melons are as large as hens' eggs, and
the Cucumbers 2 inches long. Though this applies most to Melons,
yet it is all the better for Cucumbers in dung-beds ; there will then be
fewer fruits decaying at their points.

There will not be much to do to fruit-trees this month, except the
thinning out of wood and flower-buds. We again offer the caution
not to allow overcrowding of the wood— 3 or 4 inches between each
shoot would not be too much; and when the bearing-shoots for next
year's supply of fruit are the length desired, let the tops be nipped
out. Any that are growing too gross and watery require to be fre-
quently topped as they grow, otherwise they would monopolise the
whole vigour of the trees, and bear no fruit. Keep all close to the
walls, and save all natural spurs, which are always certain to be
fruitful. Where time can be spared to separate clusters of flower-
buds it would be well-spent work, as thickets of flowers often prevent
each other from setting. The petals should have at least room to
expand ; and the flowers best exposed to light and air, as well as being
close to the walls, are the ones which should be left. This applies
particularly to Peaches, Nectarines, and Apricots, though Apples,
Pears, and Plums can be improved where time can be spared. Figs
w^hich have been protected with strawbands, &c., may be taken down,
the dead wood cut out (if any), and the shoots nailed and tied up in
their places ; but it may be necessary to have a covering to throw
over the trees at night, as frost would ruin the young fruit. After the

172 THE GARDENER. [April

trees have shown what fruit they are to bear for first crop, a little
pruning may be done, gradually cutting back long shoots, and other-
wise regulating the tree. It is an easy system of training Figs as
Pears are generally done, allowing shoots to run from top to bottom,
training the side-shoots right and left, and topping each young shoot at
fourth or fifth leaf, training to the wall what is required, and cutting
clean olf what are not wanted. Under glass we allow the trees to
have more of their own way ; however, spurring so far as we can.
When too gross, we either lift the half of the roots or cut some of
them in, doing it wholly by degrees if necessary. When there is
plenty of fibre any quantity of "feeding," almost, might be given.
When the long leading shoots do not break freely we cut a notch
half through the wood above each joint, and a string of sturdy shoots
soon make their appearance. It may not be out of place, by way of a
" reminder," to say that any grafting that is to be done must be seen
to at once. The shoots, though they have their ends in the ground,
will soon shrivel. It is unnecessary to go into details here, taking
up valuable space, as everything in connection with grafting, &c., is
minutely given in the ' Gardener.'

Tender annuals, such as Asters, Marigolds, &c., should be sown in
a frame with a very gentle heat, covering them lightly with fine soil.
If the beds of any kinds are made up with leaves, slugs may be
troublesome ; dusting of lime over the surface before the soil is placed
will help to keep them down. Red-lead and hellebore powder we use
freely for slugs, as well as to prevent woodlice eating young plants ; we
have had them in thousands this season, devouring young Cucumber
plants. Verbena cuttings, &c. Among other traps, flat pans of treacle
have caught many. Small flower-pots stuffed with hay and dipped in
boiling water has also thinned their numbers. Red-lead, soot, lime, and
hellebore powder, laid down the sides of frames, make their quarters
uncomfortable. We would suppose syringing plants with Clark's insect-
destroyer w^ould be a preventive. Spring flowering bulbs will require
attention. Hyacinths in flower, and Tulips coming in early, will re-
quire protection from frost and rain, and to be shaded from sun ; stir every
surface, breaking all lumps, and gently press the soil round the collars
of the plants. Sweet Williams, Polyanthuses, Rockets, Hollyhocks, and
others of the more hardy kinds of plants, may be planted out where
they are to remain. Auriculas will now be near their blooming period ;
they will require shading from sunshine, and to be kept protected from
heavy rains, with abundance of air, but no check from any cause should
be permitted. Carnations and Picotees may now be potted in good-
sized pots, using plenty of drainage, and the healthy soil prepared
as formerly advised ; press it gently round the ball, and water

1869.] HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. 173

enough to moisten all the soil. Any plants pot-boiind must have the
roots undone a little, and if the ball is very dry, it should be wetted
through by placing it in a pail or tank of water : this treatment is
necessary when potting all kinds of plants. A dry hard ball placed in
fresh pots, though ever so well attended to, will do very little good, and
probably the plants may gradually die off. Moisture through the whole
ball of soil in pots is of the greatest importance with pot-culture; water
given only to wet the surface, leaving the principal roots dry, is a slow
but certain way of killing plants. Watering, when repeated too often,
is also very injurious, especially when plants are tender and in cold
quarters. It is hardly possible to mention the various soils suitable
for all kinds of plants, but we might mention that few things do not
thrive in a mixture of loam, peat, charcoal, and sand in equal parts.
Plants becoming too large may be cut back after they have bloomed,
and allowed to break ; when the shoots have fairly pushed, the plants
may be taken out of the pots, the balls carefully reduced, and a fresh
coating of soil pressed all round the balls, leaving no vacant space.
Watering may be done in proportion to the growth of the plants and
the quantity of roots to receive it. If catalogues gave cultural " hints "
for plants as well as for vegetables, it would be of great value to
amateurs, as it is often difficult to find the kind of soil adapted for
various kinds of plants. Window-boxes will now require attention.
Mignonette, Stocks, and Geraniums are still favourites for boxes.

M. T.

HORTICULTUKAL EXHIBITIONS.

EOYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S, LONDON, FIRST SPRING SHOW.

On March 1 3th the battle of the floral exhibitions opened for the present
season. Hyacinths were the prime feature, and they were produced to an
extent almost unprecedented in a London show. In addition to the
usual prizes given by the Royal Horticultural Society for Hyacinths,
there were also some special prizes given by the bulb-growers of Hol-
land severally for thirty-six Hyacinths, distinct sorts, and the same
number in twelve sorts, three of a sort. In each instance Messrs W.
Cutbush & Son, Highgate, London, were first, and Mr W. Paul,
Waltham Cross, second, with splendid collections of Hyacinths, the
superb finish of the flowers, and the dwarf yet vigorous foliage of the
plants shown by Messrs Cutbush & Son giving them the pre-emi-
nence. The latter had, in thirty-six distinct sorts, the following : Baron
van Tuyll, Feruk Khan, Leonidas, Garrick, Charles Dickens, Oron-
dates, Couronne de Celle, General Havelock, Marie, Grand Lilas, Lord

174 THE GARDENER. [April

Palmorston, La Nuit, and Mimosa, shades of blue ; La Jeune Anne,
Emmeline, Howard, ]\Iacaulay, Gigantea, Solfaterre, Ornament de la
Nature, Florence Niglitingale, Von Scliiller, Princess Beatrice, Lord
Wellington (double). Lady Sale, and Prince of Orange, shades of red ;
Paix de I'Europe, Mont Blanc, Princess Helena, Alba maxima. Queen
of the Netherlands, Mirandoline, and Alba superbissima, whites ; Due
de Malakoff and Ida, yellows ; and Haydn, mauve. Mr W. Paul had
Garrick, Sir John Lawrence (a fine dark sport from Charles Dickens),
Grand Monarch (a fine pale blue), Couronne des Bleus, and Princess
Mary of Cambridge, all three in the way of Grand Lilas ; Baron van
Tuyll, Charles Dickens, Bloksberg, General Havelock, Feruk Khan,
Lourens Koster, Grand Lilas, and King of the Blues, shades of blue ;
Princess Clotilde, La Joyeuse, Macaulay, Koh-i-noor, Vuurbaak (a
splendid deep bright-red new variety), Tubiflora, Princess Helena, Le
Prophete, Garibaldi (deep red, very line). Von Schiller, Prince Albert
Victor, Gigantea, and Fabiola, shades of red ; Alba maxima. La Gran-
desse (a magnificent new variety), LTnnocence, Snowball, and Grandeur
a Merveille, whites ; Due de MalakofF, Ida, and Bird of Paradise, yel-
low ; and Haydn and Sir Henry Havelock, mauve. 3d, Mr George
Davies, Old Swan, Liverpool. 4th, Mr C. Turner, Slough. Messrs
Van Waveren & Sons, Hillegom, Haarlem, exhibited a fine lot in
glasses that had been grown in Holland ; and Messrs Potter and Haw-
kins also staged collections. In the class for thirty-six Hyacinths,
twelve sorts, three plants of each, Messrs W. Cutbush & Son had
splendid examples of Grand Lilas, Marie, Feruk Khan, General Have-
lock, and Baron van Tuyll, shades of blue ; Gigantea, Macaulay, and
Florence Nightingale, reds ; Snowball and Queen of the Netherlands,
whites; and Due de Malakoff and Ida, yellow. Mr W. Paul had
Garrick, Feruk Khan, Princess Mary of Cambridge, and Grand Lilas,
blue; Fabiola, Gigantea, Von Schiller, and Garibaldi, reds ; La Gran-
desse. Snowball, and Grandeur a Merveille, wdiite ; and Ida, yellow.
Mr W. Cutbush, Barnet, and Mr Thomas Hawkins also exhibited.

"With eighteen Hyacinths, distinct, Mr W. Paul was first, with fine
and even specimens of Baron van Tuyll, Garrick, Grand Monarch,
Charles Dickens, Prince Albert, King of the Blues, and Grand Lilas,
blue; Charles Dickens, mauve; Vuurbaak, Koh-i-noor, Fabiola, Von
Schiller, and Ornament de la Nature, red ; La Grandesse, LTnnocence,
and Seraphine, white ; Ida and Bird of Paradise, yellow. 2d, Messrs
W. Cutbush & Son, with Charles Dickens, Baron van Tuyll, General
Havelock, Grand Lilas, and Marie, blue; Emmeline, Mrs Beecher Stowe,
Macaulay, Florence Nightingale, Ornament de la Nature, and Gigantea,
red ; Mirandoline, Alba maxima. Grandeur a Merveille, and Queen
of the Netherlands, white ; Haydn, mauve ; and Ida, yellow. 3d, Mr

1869.] HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. 175

George Davies, Messrs Turner, Yan Waveren & Sons, and W. Cut-
bush, also exhibited. A new class for eighteen red Hyacinths was
scarcely attractive enough to lead one to wish it should again form a
part of the schedule, as, light Hyacinths predominating, there was an
inevitable sameness about the collection. Mr W. Paul staged a fine
lot of average size, and with an equal preponderance of dark and
light shades ; but unfortunately this collection was disqualified, owing
to two plants of Von Schiller being staged. The dark-red flowers
were Linnseus, Prince Albert Victor, Heine des Jacinthes, Annie
Lisle, and Solfaterre ; of medium shades, Von Schiller, Princess
Cio tilde, Macaulay, Mrs Beecher Stowe, Princess Helena, and Koh-i-
noor ; and of pale flowers, Noble par merite, Geant des Roses, Fabiola,
Ornament de la Nature, Lord Wellington (double), and Cavaignac.
Messrs W. Cutbush & Son were placed fifst with Solfaterre, Lady
Sale, and Cynthia, dark red ; Macaulay, Mrs Beecher Stowe, Princess
Clotilde, Milton, Duchess of Richmond, and Von Schiller, medium
red ; and Le Prophete, Cavaignac, Sussanah Maria, Ornament de la
Nature, Gigantea, Duke of Wellington, Prince of Orange, Florence
Nightingale, and Hogarth, pale red. There was no second prize
awarded, owing to the disqualification of Mr Paul.

The Hyacinths exhibited by amateur growers were very good in-
deed, especially those grown in the neighbourhood of Highgate. With
six kinds, Mr James Weir, gardener to Mrs Hodgson, The Elms, Hamp-
stead, w^as first with Charles Dickens and Raphael, blue ; Von Schiller
and Duchess of Richmond, red ; and Grandeur a Merveille and
Gigantea, white. 2d, Mr Potter, gardener to B. Noakes, Esq., High-
gate, with General Havelock and Grand Lilas, blue; Macaulay and Lord
Wellington, red ; and Snowball and Paix de I'Europe, white. 3d, Mr
George Wheeler, gardener to Sir F. H. Goldsmid, Bart., Regent's Park.
Three other exhibitors also competed with six Hyacinths grown in
windows in pots. Mrs Noakes, North Hill, Highgate, was first — Prince
of Orange, Princess Helena, and Duchess of Richmond, red ; Baron
van Tuyll and Grand Lilas, blue ; and Grandeur a Merveille, white :
2d, Miss Wilding : 3d, Mr Janes.

But one collection of six new Hyacinths, never before exhibited,
was staged, Mr W. Paul being the exhibitor. The sorts were Hector,
a -pale-blue flower of the build of Grand Lilas, but with more of mauve
in it ; White Swan, single, very poor ; Double Diebitsch Sabal-
kausky, a double form of this red flower ; Dante, single, dark-blue,
of the style of Mimosa, but, as shown, not so good ; Purple Queen, a
very poor dark purplish-blue single kind ; and Andromache, single
red, having a spike of flower similar in build to Von Schiller, but not
so good in colour.

17G THE GARDENER. [April

Mr W. Paul was first with six pots of Polyanthus Xarcissus, having
Soleil d'Or, Queen of the Netherlands, Gloriosa, Queen of Yellows,
Her Majesty, and Lord Canning ; 2d, Mr C. Turner, with Belle Prin-
cesse, Medio luteo de France, Grande Monarque, Gloriosa superba,
Bathurst, and Bazelenan Major. Messrs W. Cutbush & Son were
first with twelve pots of Tulips, in six kinds, having Keizers Kroon,
Proserj^ine broken, the flowers flaked with white ; Vermilion Bril-
liant, Buttercup, Yellow Pottebakker, Couleur Cardinal, Van der
Neer, Superintendent, and Rose Applaite. 2d, Mr W. Cutbush,
Barnet, with Keizers Kroon, Proserpine, White Pottebakker, Thomas
Moore, Vermilion Brilliant, and Duchesse de Parma. Mr T. A. Steel,
Hammersmith, was first in the amateurs' class for twelve pots of
Tulips in four kinds, having kinds similar to the foregoing. Collec-
tions of Crocuses were sh'bwn by Messrs W. Paul and W. Cutbush &
Son, the prizes being given in the order of the names ; but the Cro-
cuses were past their best, the forward season having told upon them.

Splendid pots of Lily of the Valley were shown by Mr W. Cutbush,
Barnet, and fine Primulas and Cyclamens were shown by Mr Wiggins,
gardener to W. Beck, Esq., Isle worth, the first prizes being awarded
in this way.

There were also cut Camellias, a collection of forced Roses in pots
from Messrs Paul & Son, and large groups of miscellaneous plants
from Messrs W. Bull and B. S. Williams, to whom special prizes were
awarded. Messrs Downie, Laird, & Laing had capital examples of
three of the new Golden-leaved Coleuses they are shortly to send out —
viz., Baroness Rothschild, Albert Victor, and Princess Beatrice, the
two first named being well coloured and bright-looking. Mr H.
Cannell had a group of bedding Pelargoniums, and Mr Thomas Ware,
Tottenham, an extremely interesting basket of spring flowering plants.
Altogether, the show was a great success ; and the day being fine, the
company was large.

In the evening, the representatives — nine in number — of the Dutch
bulb-growing houses, who had come to England to witness the com-
petition for the prizes they had given, were entertained at dinner at
Freemasons' Tavern by some of the leading exhibitors and others ;
Mr Thomas F. Wilding, F.R.H.S., one of the judges, being in the
chair, and Mr James Cutbush, Highgate, in the vice-chair, Messrs
William Paul, R. Dean, Peter Barr, &c., being also present. The gene-
ral opinion expressed by the guests was to the effect, that the Splen-
dour Hyacinths exhibited on that day far transcended their most san-
guine expectations, and that the response made to the competition
they had invited was satisfactory in the highest degree to those who
had given the special prizes.

1869.] NEW PLANTS OF THE PAST MONTH. 177

• NEW PLANTS OF THE PAST MONTH.

Orchids are again in tlie van of new plants, not only in regard to num-
bers, but also in relation to excellence. Cypripedium Harrissonianum,
awarded a first-class certificate, is a true hybrid, raised by Mr Domitiy
of Messrs Yeitcb & Sons, from a cross between C. barbatum and C.
villosum. The flowers are olive-green, with a streaked pale-edged
dorsal sepal, brownish-purple stained petals, and a dark-purple lip.
Its habit is especially vigorous and healthy, in this respect a decided
advance ; the leaves are green, mottled with blotches of deeper green.
Messrs Yeitch & Sons also received first-class certificates for Dendro-
bium lasioglossum, with white flowers tipped with pale rose produced
in pairs, the base of the lip deep orange ; and for D. crassinode, pro-
ducing pairs of white flowers tinted with rose and having a woolly lip.
Three distinct varieties of Odontoglossum triumphans were recently
shown by Mr Wilson, gardener to WiQiam Marshall, Esq., Enfield ;
and to two of these, named respectively var. Marshallii and var. Wil-
soni, first-class certificates were awarded. They were said to be the
finest forms of 0. triumphans yet seen. The first named had yellow
sepals and petals thickly blotched with patches of cinnamon-brown ;
the petals somewhat toothed and the lip white, with frilled yellow
margin and brown lip. In the case of the last named, the sepals and
petals were marked with fewer and larger patches of brown, and the
lip was much less frilled. Erom Mr Sherratt, gardener to James
Bateman, Esq., Biddulph Grange, Congleton, came cut specunens of
two very beautiful and rare Orchids, to each of which first-class cer-
tificates were awarded — viz., Bletia Sherrattiana, with rich rosy-purple
flowers, the lip deeper in colour and marked with purple ; and Ipsea
speciosa, a very rare Orchid — so rare as, perhaps, to be only in Mr
Bateman's hands — and very difiicult to manage, and having handsome
flowers of the brightest and purest yellow.

A first-class certificate was awarded to Messrs Standish & Co. of
Ascot, for a dwarf-growing form of Todea hymenophyUoides named
compacta. This had appeared in somewhat large numbers as self-sown
seedlings in a stovehouse, and though some of the plants were some six
or seven years old, they were not more than 2 or 3 inches in height.

The same award was made to Messrs J. & C. Lee, Hammersmith,
for a very good variegated form of Thuja Lobbiana, named variega-
ta, large golden blotches being regularly difi'ased over a large plant.
It promises to form a valuable addition to the various forms of varie-
gated Conifers.

Under the name of Phormium Cookianum variegatum, Mr W. Bull

M

178 THE GARDENER. [April

has recently exhibited two plants of the striped-leaved form of P.
Colensoi, an elegant plant with slender white -edged leaves. P.
Cookianum, as it is termed, proved to be a rigid-growing form of P.
tenax, -with a shorter and stifFer habit, and was named P. tenax
Veitchianum, the variegated form being further named Veitchianum
variegatiim, and was awarded a first-class certificate. These two forms
had been received by Messrs Veitch & Sons from the Botanic Gar-
dens, Hamburg, under the name of P. Cookianum. It is still thought
by some that it is, in both forms, simply P. tenax in a state of imma-
ture development. P. Cookianum, therefore, as a species, has now no
" local habitation, or a name."

A first-class certificate was awarded to Mr W. Bull for Camellia La
Maeostosa, a variety with remarkably short rounded leaves, and bold
stout-looking cupped very broad-petaled flowers, of a carmine crimson,
slightly blotched with white. The same award was made to Messrs
Downie, Laird, & Laing for Coleus Baroness Rothschild, one of the
Royal Horticultural Society's last batch of seedlings. It is a fine and
handsome kind, with rich -looking leaves having a bronzy-purplish-
crimson surface and broad golden margin. It promises to be one of
the very best of the last new group.

Some remarkably good things have lately been produced in Pri-
mulas. Mr B. S. Williams, Holloway, received a first-class certificate
for a magnificent strain of the single red kind, the flowers very large
and deeply coloured. It was not named, but was said to come true
from seed. A very distinct and novel form of the single white, named
Waltham White, came from Mr W. Paul, of Waltham Cross, and was
remarkable for the decided red colour of its leaf and flower-stalks,
while the flowers, of large size and handsomely fringed, were of the
finest and purest white, and the habit of growth vigorous. Messrs
Windebank and Kingsbury, of Southampton, sent a batch of their new
single and double kinds, the former of which had suffered much by
the journey. Of the latter, first-class certificates were awarded to Miss
Kingsbury, having large white flowers distinctly flaked with carmine ;
and to Snowflake, having large pure white flowers, very full, the leaf-
stalks tinted with red. It is a singular fact, but nevertheless true, that
all flaked flowers of the Primula Sinensis, as well as flowers of the purest
white, are always produced on plants having red, or tinted red, leaf-
stalks. In addition to these Primulas, Messrs F. & A. Smith, Dulwich,
had some double and curious single kinds ; and Mr Wiggins, of Isle-
worth, a very fine lot of single varieties, some of them very handsome.

A first-class certificate was awarded to Messrs Paul & Son for a fine
Hybrid Perpetual Rose, named Duke of Edinburgh, of a deep brilliant
crimson colour, shaded with dark, the flowers full and finely cupped,

1869.] HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 179

in build very similar to the well-known General Jacqueminot. It may
be an open question whether it be wise to give so high an award to a
forced Rose ; but certain it is that this flower was produced in a very
high state of development.

A word of praise is due to the magnificent forms of the improved
varieties of Cyclamen Persicum, Mr Wiggins, of Isleworth, has lately
been producing at the meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society.
They so far transcend all that has hitherto been seen of this charming
spring flower (often very sorry objects indeed), that they are a show in
themselves. Some of the bulbs, nearly four years of age, form plants
fully 18 inches in diameter, bearing hundreds of beautiful flowers.
From purplish rose to the purest white they range through several
intermediate shades ; a house of such plants as seen at Isleworth is
indeed a charming and long-to-be-remembered sight. Something,
however, must be said about these in a separate paper.

New fruits are rare — very rare indeed — though Grapes are to some
extent an exception to this invariable rule. At the last meeting of
the Fruit Committee, Mr William Thomson, of Dalkeith, sent what
promises to become a valuable Grape. It was appropriately named
" Thomson's White Lady Downes," as it partakes of the character of
this late Grape, being a seedling from it crossed with the Bowood
Muscat. The bunch and berries are handsome, and the latter regular
in size and of a fine amber colour. Mr Thomson, in a communication
to the Committee, stated that the Yine is, if possible, more vigorous
than that of Lady Downes, of the same habit, and may be grown
along with that variety in a house with no more than greenhouse
heat to ripen the fruit. Last year, Mr Thomson stated, he kept the
Grapes in good condition on the Yine till April, but this season the
unusual heat of February stimulated the sap in the Yines so early that
the flavour of the fruit had in consequence been adversely aflected.
From this cause the Grape was quite flavourless, or almost so, but a
member of the Committee stated that he had tasted it in the autumn
and found it very fine. If Mr Thomson will exhibit it earlier another
season, there is no doubt but that the Grape will receive a high
commendation. R. D.

NOTES OK" HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS.

Wahlenbergia is a small genus of Campanulaceae. Looked at from
a practical point of view, it should never have been separated from
Campanula, from which it difl"ers in only one respect, and that not a
very conspicuous feature. The openings for the escapement of the
seeds in the old family of Campanula were, in the majority of the

180 THE GARDENER. ' [April

species, at the base or sides of the capsule, but in a few others the
openings were at the top, and three in number ; and on this trifling
character is the modern genus, Wahlenbergia, founded, for in every
other essential feature — habit of growth, inflorescence, and structure of
flowers — they are alike. The largest number of the species are annual
or biennial, some of which are pretty enough, but now rarely used in
private gardens. The perennials are very few in number, and at pre-
sent rare in this country. They are natives of various countries of
Europe and Western Asia, inhabiting chiefly mountain pastures.
They propagate freely by division and by seeds.

Beginning with W. hederacea, known in most of our native floras
as Campanula hederacea, we have a very graceful pretty plant prostrate
in habit, and diminutive in all its parts, but when properly accom-
modated as regards soil and aspect it forms a charming and interest-
ing object from June till the end of August. The flowers are pale-
blue or bluish-purple, small individually, but produced in consider-
able numbers ; bell-shaped, and supported on long thread-like stalks.
It is best adapted for cultivation on the rockwork. Should have
rather a shady moist position and rich light loam.

W. Kitaibelii, syn. Edraianthus Kitaibelii, and Campanula Kitai-
belii, is from Himgary. It grows to the height of about 9 inches or
1 foot, has dark purple or violet flowers, and the plant is generally
hairy. The flowers appear in July and August, and the plant is best
adapted for rockwork culture, and prefers a dry, airy, moderately-
exposed position.

Jasione, another small genus of Campanulaceae, is distinct in struc-
ture and aspect from all other genera of the order. It is not a strik-
ing or showy family, and is introduced here chiefly on account of the
close approach it makes in the structure of its flowers to the Compo-
sites, which will furnish it with a special interest to those who would
trace the affinities of plants. The anthers are, as in Composites,
united at the base, and form a ring or sheath around the style. The
heads of flower are in the way of some of the Scabiosse, and are pretty,
though not conspicuously beautiful.

J. humilis is of creeping, somewhat tufted, habit, rarely exceeding
8 inches high, bearing on short stalks compact heads of blue flowers
about July and August. The plant is quite hardy, but found at
high elevations on the Pyi'enees, and enjoying there a blanket of
snow during winter ; it often succumbs to the combined influence of
damp and frost unprotected in our climate. A little fern, dry litter, or
other similar material, is all that is necessary to keep it safe. It
should be cultivated on rockwork, in light rich loam on the driest
possible bottom.

1869.] HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 181

J. perennis is a taller species, reaching the height of 10 or 12 inches,
with stems bent at the base, but afterwards erect, bearing on long
stalks compact heads of bright-blue flowers, surrounded at the base
with a broad rosette of bracts. The flowers appear in June, July, and
August. This is a good useful rock-plant, requiring the same treat-
ment as the preceding. It is from the mountains of Central and
Southern Europe.

Phyteuma is one of the most distinct, though not the most showy,
of Campanulacese. It is nearly allied to Campanula, but always
easily distinguished from it by the curved cylindrical form of the
corolla in bud. Though not destitute of beauty of colour, they are
not to be recommended for the higher ornamental purposes ; yet all
are pretty and decidedly interesting. The list, as given in some
catalogues, is probably too long, several of the so-called species proving,
in cultivation at least, mere varieties of certain of the best marked
forms : some of these will be noticed under their respective relationships.

P. Tiemisplicericum, a very dwarf species from Switzerland, rarely
exceeding 6 inches high, is somewhat tufted in growth, the stems
terminating in dense hemispherical heads of bright-blue flowers, which
appear in June and July : best adapted for cultivation on rockwork
in light rich loam in a moderately dry position. This is a pretty and
interesting plant.

P. humilis is, if possible, more dwarf than the preceding. The
blue flowers are produced in globular heads about June and July. It
is a tiny interesting plant that should have a warm sheltered place on
the rockwork in the same quality of soil as advised for the preceding
species. It is found on the Tyrol at great elevations.

P. orbicular e enjoys a place in the British flora, but is rather rare
at home ; it is found, however, plentifully enough in the mountain
pastures of central and southern Europe. It varies considerably in
height in nature, but in cultivation it averages 1 foot high. The
stems are somewhat decumbent at the base, but erect in the upper
portion, and terminating in globular heads of violet-coloured flowers,
which appear in July and August. It is most suitable for rockwork,
but succeeds well in the front lines of mixed borders if the soil is
light, rich, and warm, and is always most at home in chalky soils.

P. Michelii has oval flower-heads, which elongate as the flowers
open into cylindrical spikes of bright-blue flowers in July and August.
It grows from 6 to 10 inches high, is adapted for culture on either the
rockwork or in the mixed border in light rich loam, and is a pretty
and distinct species found in various parts of the south of Europe on
mountain pastures. P. scorzonerifolium and P. angustissimum difi'er
little in cultivation from P. Michelii as regards colour of flower and

182 THE GARDENER. [April

form of spikes ; the former, however, is rather a stronger plant, and
has the leaves on longer footstalks.

P. nigj'um, from middle and southern Europe, is erect in growth,
about 8 or 10 inches high, with oblong spikes of intense dark violet-
coloured flowers. Very suitable for the shady sides of rockwork in
light rich soil. Flowers in May, June, and July.

P. canescens is one of the most distinct and showy in the family.
The plant is somewhat hoary, in most parts being covered with rough
bristly hairs. The simple stems rise to the height of 1^ or 2 feet, and
are terminated by long raceme-like spikes of lilac flowers, the spikes
in luxuriant plants being often branched. This species adapts itself
to a variety of positions, and is available to enrich the vegetation of
open woods and other shady places. W. S.

TE-0PGE30LUM SPECIOSUM.

In the interest of truth and caution, I cannot allow to pass unnoticed
the statement by " R. F." at page 134 of the ' Gardener' for March,
to the effect that I had exaggerated the difficulty experienced in many
parts of the country in cultivating this admirable climber. It would
be most gratifying to find that I had been mistaken in representing
Tropoeolum speciosum as fastidious or capricious regarding climate and
soil, which have a much wider significance than locality merely ; but
unfortunately the mere opinion of " R. F.," founded only as it is on
the narrow experience of even ten years in one locality, is not suffi-
cient to afford me that gratification. His opinion, if it proves any-
thing, proves only that he has been successful, which is something he
may congratulate himself on ; but nothing to the point at issue. I
have seen too many failures in the south, and too few in the north, to
doubt but that climate has something to do with it, and that it is all
in favour of the north. There is nothing peculiar in " R. F.'s" treat-
ment except the old pea-stick element, which smells of fungi — every-
thing, in fact, but success ; and it may be fairly presumed that his
success would have been none the less had he dispensed with that
singular bottoming. That, however, is his own matter; and I* have
no wish to interfere with or call it in question, in so far as he practises
it ; but I feel bound to warn all who contemplate planting, that there
is danger in using pea-sticks, or anything like them, for such a pur-
pose. For the rest, "R. F.'s" advice is sound enough, except in the
matter of depth : 3 or 4 inches in light soils is too little — twice that
depth is safer ; and there is no fear of the plants not coming up, and
with greater strength, too, than if planted shallower. W. S.

869.] THE CYCLAMEN. 183

THE CYCLAMEN.

It has been to me a matter of astonishment that this by far the most
beautiful of winter flowering-plants should not be more generally cul-
tivated. I have grown it successfully for some years with less trouble
and more satisfaction than any other flower I have ever attempted,
although I have had some experience in most of the plants ordinarily
shown at exhibitions. Few have any idea of the beauty of the Cycla-
men if judged by those miserable specimens ordinarily seen in Covent
Garden, or but too frequently met with in the houses of nurserymen.

I will enumerate what I consider its valuable qualities, which all
who will follow the instructions about to be given cannot fail to
admit, whatever their opinion of the plant might hitherto have been.
The property of the Cyclamen consists in its being one of the most
easily grown of any of our winter favourites. It has a compact habit,
lovely foliage, exquisite fragrance in some of its varieties, long con-
tinuance of bloom, and to these must be added its greatest recom-
mendation— viz., being of all flowering-plants the best adapted to
indoor decoration. I have frequently had it in my sitting-room ; and
with most ordinary care it will flourish as well, or almost as well, as
in a conservatory. The only attention it demands is to have its leaves
brushed over every morning with a soft camel's-hair brush, dipped in
a little lukewarm water. I consider that unless we are enabled to
sponge the leaves of a plant, except some few Ferns, it is rarely
suitable as an indoor one ; but the Cyclamen is well adapted to this
daily ablution, and is the only means of keeping it in health when
confined in the dry atmosphere of a room constantly occupied. The
only objection I have ever heard against the Cyclamen is, that we
have not enough variety in colour ; but I hope even this solitary draw-
back will be eventually in some measure removed.

I consider that the Cyclamen at fifteen months' growth ought to be
at least 1 foot in diameter, having a dense mass of thick variegated
leaves standing almost erect, and the flowers not more than 2 or 3
inches above the foliage. The flowers themselves should be broad in
the petals, about 2 inches in length, nearly round at the ends, and
having a slight regular twist in each segment of the corolla.

I will give a description of how I proceed from the commencement,
as I generally prefer raising my own plants from seed. It evidently
most readily degenerates, as is the case with most of the Primulacese,
and therefore some judgment is necessary in hybridising these, but
which is easy, and in the majority of cases satisfactory, if the result is
noted ; and those not having the essential points above described are
at once discarded, and not kept to contaminate others. The best time

184 THE GARDENER. [April

to hybridise tlie Cyclamen is as early in March as possible, but it may
be done as late as April, although I consider the later it is done after
the first week in March, the less chance you have of obtaining the
wished-for result, as all flowering-plants are more or less hybridised
by insects and other sources in the spring and summer months. When
the sun shines is the best time to cross your Cyclamen, and it should
be done in the following manner : Having selected a plant as male,
%vith good-shaped flowers, take hold of the stalk between the left
finger and thumb, just below the flower, and with the right thumb flip
the side of bloom, and you will find the pollen lodged on the left
thumb nail. Then apply this pollen to the blooms of a plant that has
good habit and stiff variegated foliage, which should in all cases be
indispensable in the female. In performing this some care is required,
as the female organs are extremely delicate, and will not admit of any
rough usage. The pollea should be gently applied to the stigma, and
it will be found that at least a small portion has adhered, which is all
that is required. I do not think it advisable to cross Persicum with
a R rubrum, or with any other colour, except for variety ; but endeav-
our to keep them distinct, and improve each kind separately. How-
ever, if you have a rubrum, for instance, with a bloom of good shape
and colour, but nothing else to recommend it, make this the male,
and cross it with another rubrum possessing good dwarf foliage, and
the result, in most instances, will be improved habit combined with a
first-rate bloom. Persicums should be crossed in the same way, but
endeavour, if possible, always to have these scented. If you wish P.
delicatum, you have only to cross a Persicum with P. album, and Per-
sicum with P. roseum, to produce another distinct variety. Not more
than six flowers, on even a large plant, should be allowed to seed; for
if a greater number be retained the seed will be small, and the plants
obtained from it, in all probability, be wanting in that vigour which
is at all times an important item in the raising of seedlings. After
fertilising the six best blooms, all others should be at once removed,
and the plants put in a rather shady part of the greenhouse, but still
having as much light as possible ; and no place can better suit them
than a shelf protected from hot sun by wood-work, about 1 foot or 18
inches from the glass. The seeds are ripe in about ten weeks, are sown
at once, and put in an old Cucumber or Melon frame, with a tempera-
ture of about 65° or thereabouts. In six weeks the first leaf will be
seen pushing itself through the soil ; and when these are an inch in
length they may be transplanted into a pan, still retained in the pit,
and carefully shaded from hot sun icith thin canvass, as a glaring sun
I consider at all times highly detrimental to them, but especially so
when the plants are young.

1869.] THE CYCLAMEN. 185

Towards the end of September I select a few of the strongest plants
and put them in small pots, still retaining all in the frames close to
the glass until the end of October, or even much later, according to
the mildness of the season, as I find the young plants do better kept
close in an old Melon frame, where a little heat still remains in the
fermenting material. As soon as frost or cold weather sets in, all the
Cyclamens are placed on a shelf in the conservatory where the ther-
mometer is not allowed to fall below 45°. Through the winter they
do not grow much, but if the above temperature is maintained, they
will be found to have increased a little, which is all that is desirable.
Those plants potted in autumn will require a shift into a size larger
pot in April ; those in the pans should be potted, and either retained
in the conservatory, or, what is better, put in a frame with a little
bottom-heat for a month or six weeks ; then about the end of May put
out in a cold frame facing south-east, kept close for a few days, but
eventually fully exposed during the daytime.

When the plants are in this cool frame they should never be too
much crowded, but allowed some few inches between the leaves, so that
air may freely circulate, and prevent that drawn appearance which
must at all times be carefully guarded against. The system I am
advocating, it will readily be seen, is never to allow a Cyclamen entire
rest, but always keep them growing, however slowly, and not, as is the
custom with all growers I know, to let them partially die during the
summer months ; and this, I believe, is the entire cause of that neglect
which the Cyclamen has latterly most undeservedly shared with some
other good old favourites.

In the management of old plants, if retained, I should adopt much
the same system as with the young ones, except that they are not in
spring introduced to a frame with bottom-heat, but partially shaken
out of their soil, iiotted ligldly, not pressed too hard, then placed in a
cool frame and kept close for a fortnight or three weeks.

If the weather is hot during the months of June, July, August, and
September, invariably sprinkle water over-head once in the forenoon
besides the usual watering on soil ; but it must be done with a water-
ing-pot having a very fine rose, otherwise the foliage will be bent
down by the weight of water, and eventually the leaves wiU not be
erect and compact, which they ought to be. Another caution I must
also give in reference to watering over the foliage, and that is, never
to close up the lights for the night until the plants are quite dry,
otherwise you will have them lanky, which, as I said before, must of
all things be avoided. My plants are generally taken into the con-
servatory in full bloom early in October, when they continue to throw
up flowers until the end of April, if not wished to seed from.

186 THE GARDENER. [April

About Christmas a little liquid manure is weekly applied with
undoubted advantage, and the bloom will be much prolonged by this
timely stimulus ; and should you wish the Cyclamen to flower for
some months, it is of the greatest importance that all blossoms should
be removed as soon as the tips of the reflexed limbs become tinted with
brown. As soon, then, as the ends of petals become discoloured, they
should be pulled out by giving a sharp snatch to the bloom, so as to
detach it close to the corm ; for if not entirely removed, the remain-
ing portion decays, and the decomposition spreads over the whole leaf
as well as flower-stalks, and the plant will not be completely recovered
that season, even if detected in its earlier stages. I mention this
because occasionally, with extreme vigilance, it will occur in the most
unsuspected way, and I would advise some of the blooms and leaves
to be removed, and the centre" dusted over with sulphur, as the only
means of saving the plant, which is sometimes of consequence if a
well-known good variety.

The soil best suited, in all stages of the Cyclamen, is one composed
of two-fifths coarse leaf-mould, the same quantity of very light soft
yellow loam, one-fifth dry cow-dung, and sufficient fine white sand to
prevent running together. The dry cow-dung should be collected in
fine weather, and it would be advisable, after rubbing small, to pour
some nearly boiling water over it to kill all seeds, which are very
troublesome if not destroyed in this way. The leaf-mould should also
be well wetted, mixed with cow-dung and sand ; the loam should be
ground down quite fine in a dry state, mixed with other ingredients,
and you will then have the very best compost it is possible to make
to grow the Cyclamen in.

The corm is always seen above the soil, but this should never be so,
for the simple reason that the* roots in this case will only arise from
the lowest portion of it, whereas if buried they will do so from all
parts alike ; and this must be a very great advantage to so gross a
feeder as this plant really is. When the plants are put into their
blooming-pots I always place a handful of crocks in bottom, and on
the top of them some small pieces of dry cow-dung, which is without
doubt one of the secrets of success in the cultivation of this gem of the
winter season. H. E. I. C. S.

FLORIST FLOWERS. '

The following remarks, taken during the blooming season of 1868,
may be interesting as well as useful to those who take an interest in
the cultivation of florist flowers. Those enumerated in Section I.

1869.] FLORIST FLOWERS. 187

may be considered as first-class, and those of Section IL, although
only of second-rate merit in general, and not altogether to be de-
pended upon for exhibition purposes, are still useful, and first-class
flowers may occasionally be obtained from them : —

PANSEES (selfs).

Section /.—Alexander M'Nab, Arab, Cherub, Dr Eobert Lee, Dux, Golden
Prince, George Keith, L. F. Fleming, Masterpiece, Miss Ramsay, Miss Muir,
Snowdrop.

Section //.—Alexander Tait, Constance, Councillor Milligan, David Syme,
Excelsior, Golden Lion, Highland Mary, Yellow Queen.

YELLOW GROUNDS.

Section /.—Alexander Whamond, Allan Ramsay, Andrew Smith, Czar, Clipper,
Gem, George Wilson, Iris, J. B. Downie, Norma, Oriel.

Section //- Comus, Defoe, Emily Lyle, Fire-Eater, Hugh Campbell, John
Inglis, Mrs Downie, Prince of Wales, William Wilson.

WHITE GROUNDS.

Section /.—Clara, Francis Lightbody, Lady Lucy Dundas, Lavinia, Mary
Lamb, Maggie Grieve, Princess of Wales, Queen, Village Maid.

Section //.—Cupid, Elvina, Jessie Laird, Miss M. Carnegie, Mrs Hopkins,
Waverley.

FANCY PANSIES.

Section I.— Amy, Black Prince, Daisy, Dewdrop, Dragon, Earl of Rosslyn, Fairy
Queen, Hugh W. Adair, Keekum, Kettledrum, Miss Melville, Mrs R. Dean, Mrs
T. Scott, Mrs H. Northcote, Noemi-Demay, Ninian Niven, Princess Mathilda,
Rev. James Robertson, Sunrise, Sweet Lucy, Tambourine, Teutonia.

Section //.— Caffra, Dogstar, Figaro, Indigo, Lady Montgomery, Medora,
Orange Boven, Oriana, Punch, Pi-incess Alice, Striped Queen.

HOLLYHOCKS.

Section /.—Charles Eyre, Consul Beda, Countess of Craven, Cygnet, Earl of
Breadalbane, Fred Chater, 'George Paul, Gem of Yellcws, Hercules, Her
Majesty, Hugh Smith, J. W. Martin, Joshua Clarke, James Anderson, John
Tweedie, Lady W. W. Wynn, Lord Clifden, Lord Rokeby, Mrs P. Bruce, Mrs
Downie, Mrs Hastie, Mrs B. Todd, Magnet, Purple Emperor, Princess Christian,
Queen Victoria, R. G. Ross,. Sir Robert Hay, The Prince, William Anderson,
William Thomson, William Craven, William Thom, William Marshall.

Section //.—Beauty of Mitford, Decision, Empress of India, George Keith,
Glory, Invincible, Jaune d'Or, John Cowan, James DuflF, Lady Middleton, Lady
Rokeby, Lady des Veaux, Lilac Queen, Mrs W. Sharpe, Mrs Elliot, Mrs F.
Mackenzie, Mrs Tod, Ne plus ultra. Orange Boven, Purple Prince, Robert
Patterson, Rosy Gem, Royal Scarlet, Seraph, Tournament, William Young.

DAHLIAS.

Section I. — Anne Keynes, Adonis, Bullion, Beacon, Butterfly, Constance, Car-
oline Tetterell, Flambeau, Guardsman, High Sheriff, James Backhouse, John
Kesby, Lady Derby, Leats, Lord Derbj^, Memorandum, Mrs Boston, Mrs Dodds,
Mrs Darling, Miss Henshaw, Paradise Williams, Princess of Wales, Sir G. Smy the,
Samuel Naylor, Valentine, Vice-President, Vidette, Yellow Boy.

Section 11. —Alexandra, Albion, Clara Simons, Freemason, Flossy Gill, Fanny

188 THE GARDENER. [April

Purchase, Favourite, Golden Drop, Golden Gem, Harriet Tetterell, Hebe, Homer,
John Dimnington, Mrs Thornhill, Mephistopheles, Princess Alice, Scarlet Gem,
Tiflfany.

FANCY DAHLIAS.

Section I. — Attraction, Billy Button, Chameleon, Ebor, Fanny Sturt, Gem
(Pope), Gem (Stafford), Jeanie Deans, Leopardess, Miss Ruth, Mrs Joy, Mdlle.
Nilsson, IMaster Tommy, President^ Lincoln, Prospero, Queen Mab, Regalia,
Regularity, Striped Perfection.

Section //.—Angelina, Butterfly, Bessie Wyatt, Favourite, Frank Tiffin, John
Burn, Octoroon, Peeress, Prince of Wales, Queen of Sports, Reliance, Startler,
Topsawyer.

PHLOXES (early flowering).

Section I. — Alexander Shearer, Alexandra, Cygnet, Duchess of Hamilton,
Duchess of Sutherland, George Wyness, George Goodall, Her Majesty, John
Cumming, Lady L. Dundas, Miss C. Duncan, Miss Ure, Mrs Shankp, Mrs Austin,
Mrs Duff, Mrs Laing, Princess Alexandra, Princess of Wales, The Deacon,
William M'Aulay, William Shand.

Section II. — Adam Thomson, Dr Bremner, Gem, James Laing, John Baillie,
Lady E. Balfour, Lady Sinclair, Mrs K. Howat, Purple Prince, Rosy Gem, W. W.
Piatt.

PHLOXES (late flowering).

Section I. — Adelina Patti, Ange Gardien, Amabilis, Aurantiaca Superba,
Gloire de Neuilly, Geant des Batailles, L'avenir, Liervalli, Mdlle. C. Nilsson,
Mme. Domage, Mme. La Comtesse de Malart, Mme. Froment, Mme. Maria
Saison, Mons. Veitch, Mons. Hugh Low, Mons. Linden, Mons. George Henderson,
Queen Victoria, Reve d'Or, Sultan, Vierge Marie, Arthur Fontaine, Comte de
Lambertye, Duke of Sutherland, Eclair, Edith, George Ville, John Laing, Mme.
de Caen, Mme. Andry, Mme. Bonneau, Major Stewart, Miss Melville, John
Dovvnie, Mrs Campbell, R. B. Laird, William Blackwood.

Section 11. — Comtesse de Chambord, Comtesse de la Panouse, Mons. Malet,
Mons. W. Bull, Aurore Boreale, Figaro, Premices du Bonheur, La Candeur, Roi
de Roses, Admiration, Comte de Merona, Edouard Andry, Flore, Foudroyant,
Larina, Mme. Thibaut, Mme. Godefroy, Mme. Delamare, Mme. de Wendel, Mons.
Allain, Mme. Rindatler, Mons. Alphonse Dufoy, Neatness, Professor Koch.

[To he continued),

[This list is by one of our ablest florists, and may be taken as a safe guide, —
Ed.]

ON THE PROPAGATION OF THE LEBANON CEDAR.

Sir, — Pray permit me to direct the attention of all those who are interested in
arboriculture to the splendid crop of cones which these trees are now bearing.
All Cedars do not bear fruitful ones, but many contain excellent and numerous
seeds. The cone of the Cedar is remarkably tough, and will not discharge its
seeds by exposure to heat like those of other Firs. I have tried various methods
of extracting the seeds, and find the following the most effectual : — Fix the cone
in a vice and saw off about | in. top and bottom, then with a mallet and cold chisel
divide the cone into quarters, which must be separated into smaller portions.
Place these in the kitchen-screen for say twenty-four hours, and they can then

1869.] LIVERPOOL SPRING FLOWER-SHOW. 189

be separated without much difficulty. If very tough, use a pair of wire-nippers
to open them. A good cone contains from forty to sixty seeds. It is remarkable
that, though the Cedar is so prolific this year, the Pinus Austriaca has no cones ;
but it bore so heavily the two previous years that I have not only young trees of
this species growing from trees of my own planting, but have sent considerable
quantities of seed to friends and some nurserymen. — Higford Burr (Aldermaston,
Feb. 25).

[We are indebted to the courtesy of Mr Richards, assistant secretary of the R.
H. S. of London, for this paragraph. — Ed.]

LIVERPOOL SPRING FLOWER-SHOW.

The annual exhibition of Hyacinths, Tulips, and other flowers, generally iden-
tified with the inauguration of spring, took place in St George's Hall, and was
visited throughout the afternoon and evening by a very numerous assemblage
of persons of all ranks and stations in life. In its entirety, the show was fully
equal to any previous spring exhibition, and in some classes the flowers were of a
very high order of merit, and decidedly superior to anything previously seen in
this town. The arrangements were admirably made by a committee under the
leadership of Mr Tyerman, curator of the Botanic Gardens, and assisted by Mr
R. W. Ker, the secretary, to whose indefatigable labours the success of this and
previous exhibitions is mainly attributable. Upon wide platforms, stretching
nearly the entire length of the centre of the hall, were arranged the Hyacinths,
Tulips, Primulas, and other plants of similar order, whose brilliant blossoms in
colour rivalled the tints of the rainbow, and emitted a fragrant perfume which
pervaded the spacious haU. On the steps leading to the crown court were
arranged many choice specimens of stove and greenhouse plants, the sides of the
hall being devoted to the more pretentious Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Ferns, &c.

As might be expected, the Hyacinths were the chief objects of notice, and
they richly merited all the commendation passed upon them, for a more compact
or beautiful collection of this splendid flower has seldom been seen out of London.
In former years, Mr Cutbush, the celebrated Hyacinth grower, contributed largely
to the show, and generally managed to carry oflf the principal prizes for nursery-
men, to the mortification of local florists ; this year, however, the metropolitan
shows prevented his attendance, and all the flowers shown yesterday were conse-
quently of local production. Messrs T. Davies & Co., of Wavertree, and Mr G.
Davies, of Old Swan, took the highest honours for nurserymen's flowers ; but in
size and quality they were surpassed by the splendid plants shown by Mr Mander-
son, gardener to Mr B. H. Jones, banker, of Larkhill, who carried oif prizes for
collections of 24, 18, 12, and 6 pots. The Tulips, Primulas, Narcissus, and
Camellias, were well grown, but the Lilies of the Valley, tree Mignonette, and
hand bouquets, were scarcely equal to those seen at former shows. One of the
most attractive features of the exhibition was a collection of Cyclamen Persicum,
shown by Mr R. W. Ker, the secretary, crowned with enormous clusters of most
delicately tinted flowers, and showing to what perfection of culture this favourite
winter plant can be brought. Mr Ker also exhibited a very choice collection of
Hybrid Solanums, which found plenty of admirers.

The stove and greenhouse plants included some beautiful specimens of Prunus

190

THE GARDENER.

[April

flore-pleno, literally covered with snow-white blossoms ; Rhododendrons and
wonderfully-grown Azaleas, together with other varieties, each charming in itself,
and all contributing to the general brilliance of the collection. Special mention,
however, deserves to be made of^the collection of Ferns, which included some un-
named seedlings sent by Mr Ledger, gardener to Mr Wm. Rathbone, M.P., and
which were afterwards classified by Mr Tyerman ; also of a small but very choice
collection of Orchids covered with their beautifully marked though singularly
shaped blossoms. Mr Isaac Davies, nurseryman, of Ormskirk, exhibited a new
Azalea, Hybrida odorata, to which a first-class certificate was awarded by the
Royal Horticultural Society of London in April 18G8. This Azalea is the purest
white of that description of flower yet submitted to the public, and in addition to
its fragrance it has the quality of growing in enormous clusters. The specimen
exhibited, though small, was spoken of in the highest terms of commendation by
the judges, and it will certainly become a great favourite with Azalea growers.
The most novel plants in the exhibition were a collection of Geraniums shown by
Mr Mason, in charge of Prince's Park, which had been budded upon the stocks of
seedling Geraniums in precisely the same manner as Standard Roses are usually
budded. By this means several kinds can be grown upon one stem, and those of
dwarf habit, such as Mrs Pollock and many of the other variegated descriptions,
could be trained into the form of Pyramids or Standards, and become very great
attractions in the conservatory or garden. The plants look healthy and strong, and
the novel system of treatment appeared thoroughly to agree with them. There is
no doubt the experiment will undergo thorough investigation, and the public will
in process of time derive the benefit of the inquiry. We cannot go farther into
detail, but must content ourselves by remarking that Cinerarias, Pot and Standard
Roses, Amaryllis, and many other kinds of flowers, together with a small collec-
tion of fruit grown at Kele Hall, Stafibrdshire, made up the remainder of the
exhibition. The judges were — Hyacinths, Mr Downie, Edinburgh, and Mr Shaw,
Manchester; Plants, &c., Mr Baines, Bowden, and Mr Findlay, Manchester; and
the following were their awards : —

AMATEURS.

Twenty-four Hyacinths— 1. B. H.
Jones, Esq. (gardener, Mr Manderson) ;
2. F. C. Braun, Esq. (gardener, Mr
Dunbar) ; 3. J. E. Reynolds, Esq. (gar-
dener, Mr "Wilson).

Eighteen Hyacinths — L B. H. Jones ;
2. J. R. Jefi"ery, Esq. (gardener, Mr
Greenhough) ; 3. F. C. Braun ; extra,
J. E. Reynolds.

Twelve Hyacinths — 1. B. H. Jones ;
2. J. E. Reynolds; 3. F. C. Braun;
4. F. W. Medley, Esq. (gardener, Mr
Jones).

Six Hyacinths — 1. John Bateson,
Esq. (gardener, Mr Kneale) ; 2. B. H.
Jones ; 3. R. D. Holt, Esq. (gardener,
Mr Moreton).

Two Double Hyacinths — 1. J. Bate-
son ; 2. B. H. Jones ; 3. J. E. Reynolds.

Two Single Hyacinths— 1. C. W.

Neumann, Esq. (gardener, MrHigham);
2. B. H. Jones ; 3. Major Walter (gar-
dener, Mr Mapham).

Six Pots Polyanthus Narcissus — 1.
F. C. Braun ; 2. B. H. Jones.

Ten Pots Double Tulips — B. H.
Jones and F. C. Braun equal.

Six Pots Double Tulips — 1. D. James
Esq. (gardener, Mr Norrie) ; 2. J. E.
Reynolds ; 3. F. C. Braun ; extra, B.
H. Jones.

Eighteen Pots Single Tulips— 1. F.
C. Braun; 2. B. H. Jones; 3. J. E.
Reynolds.

Twelve Pots Single Tulips— 1. D.
James; 2. B. H. Jones; 3. F. C.
Braun.

Six Pots Single Tulips— 1. R. D.
Holt ; 2. F. C. Braun ; 3. B. H. Jones ;
extra, J. E. Reynolds.

1869.] LIVERPOOL SPRING FLOWER-SHOW.

191

Amaryllis — 1. C. W. Neumann ; 2.
J. Campbell, Esq. (gai-dener, Mr Ever-
ett); 8. Lieutenant-Colonel Clay (gar-
dener, Mr Porteous).

Six Azaleas — 1. D. James; 2. E.
Bates, Esq. (gardener, Mr Turner).

Three Azaleas — 1. C. "W. Neumann ;
2. J. C. Reynolds ; 3. E. Bates ; extra,

D. James.

Azalea — 1. B. H. Jones; 2. D.
James ; 3. Mrs Zvvilchenbart (gardener,
Mr Sorley).

Three Azaleas (pots not exceeding 8
inches) — 1. D. James; 2. E. Bates; 3.
Mrs Bird (gardener, Mr Fleetwood).

Four Rhododrendrons — 1. J. E.
Reynolds ; 2. D. James.

Scarlet Rhododendron — I. F. C.
Braun ; 2. R. S. Bolton, Esq. (gardener,
Mr Thomson) ; 3. B. H. Jones.

White Rhododendron — 1. E. Bates ;
2. J. E. Reynolds ; 3. B. H. Jones.

Epacris — 1. J. R. Jeffrey ; 2. D.
James ; 3. J. Campbell.

Six dwarf Roses — F. C. Braun.

Three dwarf Roses — 1. B. H. Jones;
2. J. E. Reynolds.

Dwarf Roses — 1. C. W. Neumann ;
2. B. H. Jones ; 3. J. E. Reynolds.

Six standard Roses — 1. B. H. Jones ;
2. J. E. Reynolds.

Four stove or greenhouse plants — 1.
B. H. Jones ; 2. D. James.

Two stove or greenhouse plants — 1.
B. H. Jones ; 2. D. James ; 3. Mrs Bird.

Greenhouse plant — 1. D. James; 2.
B. H. Jones ; 3. F. C. Braun.

Stove plant — 1. B. H. Jones ; 2. J.

E. Reynolds; 3. D. James.
Orchid— 1. F. W. Medley; 2. C. W.

Neumann ; 3. D. James ; extra, C. W.
Neumann.

Four ornamental foliage plants — 1.
D. James ; 2. Colonel Clay.

Four Ferns — 1. W. Rathbone, Esq.,
M.P. (gardener, Mr Ledger); 2. D.
James; 3. J. E. Reynolds.

Fern — L D. James; 2. J. E. Rey-
nolds ; 3. W. Rathbone, M.P.

Three Pots Mignonette — 1. F. W.
Medley ; 2. P. S. Boulfc, Esq. (gardener,
Mr Lamb).

Three Standard Mignonette — 1. P. S.
Boult ; 2. J. E. Reynolds ; 3. S. S. Par-
ker, Esq. (gardener, Mr Lowndes).

Standard Mignonette — 1. J. E. Rey-
nolds ; 2. P. S. Boult.

Six Cinerarias — l.'L. R. Bailey, Esq.
(gardener, Mr Brown) ; 2. R. D. Holt.

Sis Fringed Primulas— L R. D. Holt ;
2. Mrs Zwilchenbart; 3. Mrs Bird.

Four Double Primulas — Mrs Zwil-
chenbart.

Three Pans Lily of the Valley— 1. B.
H. Jones ; 2. J. E. Reynolds.

Six forced 'Hardy Plants — 1. E.
Bates ; 2. J. Bateson.

Forced Hardy Plant— 1. F. C. Braun;
2. J. Bateson ; 3. E. Bates.

Six Pots Hardy Plants in flower —
Extra, E. Bates.

Three Cyclamens — R. Duke, Esq.
(gardener, Mr Wade).

Six Pots Polyanthus- L S. S. Par-
ker ; 2. R. L. Bolton.

Bouquet for the Hand — 1. Mr Eaves,
Green Lane ; 2. C. W. Neumann ; 3.
I Major Walter.

Twelve cut Camellias — 1. Major Wal-
ter ; 2. J. E. Reynolds.

First-class Certificate — Solanums: R.
P. Ker, Basnett Street. Cyclamen, do.

Extra Prize — Budded Pelargoniums :
Mr Mason, Prince's Park.

NURSERYMEN

Thomas
2. G.

Twenty-four Hyacinths — 1.
Davies and Co., Wavertree
Davies, Green-lane.

Twelve Hyacinths — 1. Thomas
Davies and Co. ; 2. G. Davies.

Twelve Pots Double Tulips — G.
Davies.

Twelve Pots single Tulips — L G.
Davies ; 2. Thomas Davies, Wavertree.

Six Rhododendrons — 1. R. Ashcroft,
West Derby; 2. G. Davies, Old Swan.

Bouquet for the Hand — 1. Mr Dela-
mere, St John's Market; 2. Mr Ashcroft,
West Derby.

192

THE GARDENER.

[April

EXTRAS.

Brace of Cucumbers — Mr Smith, gar-
dener to H. Littledale, Esq.

Collection of Fruit— Mr Hill, gar-
dener to 11. Sueyd, Esq.

Four Orchids— T. W. Medley, Esq.

First-class Certificate — Azalea (Hy-
brida odorata) : Isaac Davies, Ormskirk.

Second-class Certificate — Azalea
(multiflora) : Thomas Davies and Co.
Wavertree.

Notwithstanding a strong easterly wind which prevailed throughout the day,
the hall was literally crammed from the opening of the doors at two o'clock until
the exhibition closed. The afternoon attendance surpassed that of any previous
spring show, and the evening was even still greater, for locomotion was scarcely
possible, and hundreds retired to the galleries to listen to Streather's band, which
during the exhibition performed a selection of operatic and other music. In
every respect this spring show was one of the most successful yet held.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The following prizes are offered for competition at the next meeting of the
Fruit and Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, on Tuesday, April
6 th, viz. : —

1. White-spined Cucumber, 1 brace, of 1 sort only. Open. £1. — 10s.

2. Black-spined Cucumber, 1 brace, of 1 sort only. Open. £1. — lOs.

3. Smooth Cucumber, 1 brace, of 1 sort only. Open. £1. — 10s.

4. 6 Cucumbers, not confined to one sort. Open. £2 £1.

A new list of the Fellows, Associates, Honorary and Corresponding Members,
and Botanical, Horticultural, and Floral Societies, in union, &c., of the Royal
Horticultural Society, has just been published, and may be obtained on applica-
tion at the offices, price Is., or by letter addressed to the secretary. Royal Horti-
cultural Society, South Kensington, W., accompanied by fourteen postage stamps.

[We regret that we must again apologise for postponing many valuable com-
munications. — Ed.]

W. M. Stglisthorne. — Our correspondent has our thanks for his good advice ;
at the same time, we think that in the " Hints to Amateurs " we meet many of
the requirements of the class of gardeners he refers to, and in our papers on
Flower- Gardening last year, and those on the Kitchen-Garden in this, we meet
many more of them. Success in horticulture, as in all other matters, depends so
much on attention, industry, and perseverance, that we fear no directions, how-
ever simple and plain, would make a man who lacked these qualities a success-
ful cultivator of either flowers, fruit, or vegetables.

It will be our endeavour in the future, as in the past, to make this maga-
zine a safe guide for tyros in horticulture ; but we do not write for them alone,
and we must not fill our pages with that which is purely elementary.

Z. — For the colours you name there are no better plants than those in your
list. For blue, use Lobelia speciosa. Sow the seed at once in heat, and bring it

1869.] NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS. 193

on in heat for a time, pricking it out in pans or boxes as it progresses till May
when it should be hardened in a cold frame, and planted in the border about the
20th of May. See that you get the true Lobelia speciosa, as Gracilis is sometimes
sold for it, and it is worthless. Cut back the Briar to the lateral ; the bud is on
as soon as you see that the latter has got hold ; and dust it well with powdered
hellebore when the wood is damp : this will prevent the attack of the caterpillar
you refer to.

J. W. P. D. — Many amateurs, like yourself, have been disappointed most
grievously by the pecuniary results of their fruit-growing. To make money
by such a pursuit, requires great skill in the management of such houses as you
have, and at this moment there are far too many before you in the market ; and
when salesmen have a glut of such perishable produce, great sacrifices have to be
made, and we expect amateurs get their full share of them. In these circum-
stances, we advise you to expect little more than to cover the cost of your coal,
and you will not be disappointed. The prices in the periodicals that report the
markets are the retail ones — a very different figure, as a matter of course, com-
pared with your experience of Covent Garden prices.

A. W., Castle N. — We have known wooden stakes, such as you refer to, spawn
the soil round them with fungi, which would be quite likely to attack the roots
of Pear or Apple trees. "We have also seen tallies made of white wood infest the
soil of the pots they were in, in the same way, and injure the plants ; and sawdust
is sure to give rise to it. We would never put sawdust on the ground to keep
Strawberries clean — spent hops, straw, or short grass, are better and safer every
way : we prefer wheat-straw to anything for the purpose.

A Subscriber. — We regret that your letter fell aside, and a reply was omitted
last month. Furze will grow on your banks. We advise you to sow the seed
where you wish it to grow, and at once. The following grasses will suit your
light poor soil : Crested Dogstail, Round Cocksfoot, Hard Fescue, Meadow Fes-
cue, Evergreen Ryegrass, Evergreen Meadow-grass ; Yellow Trefoil, Perennial
White Clover, and Alsike Clover may be added.

A Subscriber. — The best method of packing Grapes for exhibition is that
generally practised by those who show at the great London and provincial ex-
hibitions— i.e., they are fixed on a board on which a lining of clean, generally
white, paper has been pasted, by having a tape passed through the bunch over
its leading stem and through holes to the back of the board, where it is tied
sufi&ciently firm to keep the bunch from moving. Then this board, with the
bunch or bunches so fixed on it, is placed in a box, and fixed there at an angle
of 40", so that the bunch is in a natural position ; but you must be in a very
outlandish part of the country if you have not &een Grapes packed as we have
attempted to describe. Peaches may have fine tissue-paper put round them, and
be packed in wadding — each Peach fitting into a compartment made in a light
tin or wooden box to fit it with the wadding round it ; or they may be packed
in boxes without compartments for each fruit if they have wadding between
them. If you visit Covent Garden in the Peach season, you will see them very
neatly and safely packed in punnets, with pink paper round them.

W. P. — Buy the Vine at once, and grow it till the wood gets sufl&ciently
mature to admit of its being inarched. We struck a Vine of the variety you
name this time twelve months, and in July inarched it on the old wood of a
Vine on which the fruit was ripe at the time, and at this date we have eleven

N

194 THE GARDENER. [April 1869.

bunches of fruit set, and ready for thinning. We put the inarch on about a yard
from the ground, and cut back the old Vine to within 2 feet of the point of union
with the new in August, and in December we pruned it close off at the junction.
Never think of removing a good free-growing Vine to plant a different variety ;
inarch, by all means. The sort you name has never yet been exhibited so as to do
its merits justice.

J. W.— Vegetables north and south. This subject is in very able hands, and
we think you had better leave it there. If you differ with us, send your lines
to the ' Chronicle,' where the controversy began. No doubt good comes of such
discussions when carried on in a friendly spirit.

THE

GARDENER.

MAY 1869.

THE ROSE.

CHAPTER X. GARDEN ROSES.

{Continued from page 152.)

0 0 N after the publication of my last chapter, I received
from a furio-comic amateur the following epistle : —

Sir, — I wish to be informed what the Two in Whist you mean by
leaving me on the 1st of April, ulL, in a ridiculous costume and a crowded ante-
room, quietly proposing to keep me there for a month. My legs, sir, cannot be
included among " varieties suitable for exhibition." They have, on the contrary,
been described too truly by a sarcastic street-boy as " bad uns to stop a pig in a
gate," and you might at least have clothed them in the black velvet trousers
recently and reasonably introduced. Moreover, I hate anterooms. They remind
me of disagreeable epochs — of waiting in custom-houses for luggage, which was
not, perhaps, quite what moral luggage should be ; of dreary dining-rooms belong-
ing to dentists, where, surveying with nervous rapidity the photographic album,
and wondering ove : the portrait of Mrs Dentist how that pretty face could have
wed with forceps, lancet, and file, I have heard kicks and groans from the
*^ drawing-room above," " oh-ohs " from the chair which I was about to fill.
They recall to memory rooms scholastic, in which I listened for the approach of
lictor and fasces, and from which, though mounted and with my back turned to
the enemy, I had no power to flee. They bring to recollection rooms collegiate,
sombre, walled with books, where with other rebels I have waited to see that
proctor, who hardly knew in the meek, respectful, gown-clad undergraduate of
the morn the hilarious Jehu he met yester-eve in a tandem and a scarlet coat.
Again, sir, I repeat that I hate anterooms, I hate waiting, I hate crowds, I hate
black silk stockings, and I am yours irascibly,

BosE Rampant.

I hasten at once, with many apologies, to the pacification and relief
of my disciple ; and seeing that he is much too hot and ruffled — I don't

o

196 THE GARDENER. [May

mean about the wrists, but inwardly — for immediate presentation, I
propose to cool him a little in the fresh pure air, taking him with me
to the summit of a breezy slope, which he, being of a rampant nature,
will rejoice to ascend, and then showing him, when pleasantly and
kindly " we've climbed the hill together," all the Roses !

Just out of Interlachen, the tourist on his way to Lauterbrunnen is
invited by his courier or his coachman to leave the main road, and,
walking up the higher ground on the right, to survey from the garden
of a small residence, which was used when I saw it as a pension or
boarding-house, one of the most lovely views in Switzerland — the two
lakes of Thun and Brienz. So would I now invite the amateur to
survey and to consider the Roses in two divisions. I would describe
those, in the first place, which are desirable additions to the rosarium,
either as enhancing the general effect from the abundance or colour of
their flowers, or as having some distinctive merit of their own, and
which, not being suitable for exhibition, I would designate as Garden
Roses ; and I would then make a selection of the varieties which pro-
duce the most symmetrical and perfect blooms — that is to say, of
Show Roses.

And I advise the amateur, beginning to form a collection, to appro-
priate unto himself a good proportion of those Roses from the first
division, which, being of a more robust growth than many of the Show
varieties, are more likely to satisfy and to enlarge his ambition. I
hardly think that I should have been a rosarian had not the wise
nurseryman who supplied the first Roses which I remember, sent
strong and free-blooming sorts ; and I have known many a young
florist discouraged who attempted, without experience, the cultivation
of plants which required an expert, or who had received from some
inferior or shortsighted purveyor weakly and moribund trees. Where-
fore, writing with the hope that I may in some degree promote and
instruct that love of the Rose from which I have derived so much
happiness, I exhort novice and nurseryman alike, as ever they hope to
build a goodly edifice, to lay a deep and sure foundation. Let the
one order robust varieties, and the other send vigorous plants.

Then, should the educated taste of the amateur lead him to prefer
the perfection of individual Roses to the general effect of his rosary —
should he find more pleasure in a single bloom, teres atque rotunda^
than in a tree luxuriantly laden with flowers, whose petals are less
gracefully disposed — if, like young Norval, he has heard of battles, and
longs to win his spurs — then must these latter lusty, trusty, valiant pion-
eers make way for the vanguard of his fighting troops. Let him not
disband them hastily. If, surveying the Roses of these two divisions,
and having grown them all, I were asked whether I should prefer a

1869.] THE ROSE. 197

Rose-garden laid out and planted for its general beauty — for its
inclusiveness of all varieties of special interest — or a collection brought
together and disposed solely for the production of prize flowers —
whether I would live by Brienz or by Thun — I hardly know what would
be my answer. Let the amateur begin with a selection from both,
and then let him make his choice. A choice, if he is worthy of that
name, he will have to make, as increase of appetite grows with that it
feeds on, and demands new ground to be broken up for its sustenance.
It is hardly possible, for the reasons which I have given at page 53,
to grow the two conjointly : and to grow them separately — that is, to
have both a beautiful Rose-garden and a garden of beautiful Roses —
requires the Kri~ia 'rr'/.ovTov, the

Magnos Senecse praedivitis hortos,
the ground and the gold, which few can spare. They who can — who
have both the desire and the means, the enthusiasm and the exchequer
— should have some such a Rosary as I have suggested in the chapter
on Arrangement, together with a large budding-ground annually
devoted, fresh Briers or Manetti on fresh soil, to the production of
Show Roses. As a rule, the amateur who becomes a keen exhibitor will
eliminate the varieties which he cannot show ; and the amateur who
studies tout ensemble — the completeness of the scene, diversity, abund-
ance— will rest satisfied with his exhibition at home, thankfully admir-
ing those garden Roses which I now propose to discuss.

We must grow, of course, the blushing, fresh, fragrant Provence.
It was to many of us the Rose of our childhood, and its delicious per-
fume passes through the outer sense into our hearts, gladdening them
with bright and happy dreams, saddening them with lone and chill
awakings. It brings more to us than the fairness and sweet smell of
a Rose. We paused in our play to gaze on it, with the touch of a
vanished hand in ours, wdth a father's blessing on our heads, and a
mother's prayer that we might never lose our love of the pure and beau-
tiful. Happy they who retain or regain that love, and thankful I am
that, with regard to Roses, the child was father to the man. Yes, I
was a Rosarian cpt. rneci, IV, and in my seventh summer I presided at a
" Flower Show" — for thus we designated a few petals of this Pro-
vence Rose or of some other flower placed behind apiece of broken glass,
furtively appropriated when the glazier was at dinner, and cutting, not
seldom, our small fingers (retribution swift upon the track of crime),
which we backed with newspaper turned over the front as a frame or
edging, and fastened from the resources of our natural gums.

And now, can any of my readers appease indignation and satisfy
curiosity by informing me who first called the Provence Rose " Old
Cabbage," and why? For myself, "I should as soon have thought of

198 THE GARDENER. [May

calling an earthquake genteel," as Dr Maitland remarked, when an old
lady near to him during an Oratorio declared the Hallelujah Chorus
to be " very pretty." It must have been a tailor who substituted the
name of his beloved esculent for a word so full-fraught with sweet-
ness, so suggestive of the brave and the beautiful, of romance and
poesy, sweet minstrelsy and trumpet tones. The origin of the title
Provence is, I am aware, somewhat obscure. Mr Rivers thinks that it
cannot have been given because the Rose was indigenous to Provence
in France, or our French brethren would have proudly claimed it,
instead of knowing it only by its specific name, rose a cent feuilles ;
but we may have received it, nevertheless, from Provence, as Provence,
when Provincia, received it — Rosa centifolia — from her Roman masters,
and may have named it accordingly. Be this as it may, we have rhyme
on our side if we have not reason, and I vote "Old Cabbage" to the pigs.

The Rosarian should devote a small bed of rich soil, well manured,
to the cultivation of this charming flower, growing it on its own roots,
and pruning closely.

The Double Yellow Provence Rose, of a rich, glowing, buttercup yellow
as to complexion, and prettily cupped as to form, full of petal, but of
medium size, has almost disappeared from our gardens, and I have
only seen it at the Stamford Shows, sent there from beautiful Burleigh.
Although common at one time in this country, it seems never to have
been happy or acclimatised. " In many seasons," writes the Rev. Mr
Hanbury, in his elaborate work upon Gardening, published just a
century ago, " these Roses do not blow fair. Sometimes they appear as
if the sides had been eaten by a worm when in bud ; at other times the
petals are all withered before they expand themselves, and form the
flower. For this purpose, many have recommended to plant them
against north walls, and in the coldest and moistest part of the garden,
because, as the contexture of their petals is so delicate, they will be
then in less danger of sufifering by the heats of the sun, which seem to
wither and burn them as often as they expand themselves. But I
could not observe without wonder what I never saw before — i.e., in the
parching and dry summer of 1762, all my Double Yellow Roses, both
in the nursery-lines and elsewhere, in the hottest of the most southern
exposures and dry banks, everywhere all over my whole plantation,
flowered clear and fair." Here, in my opinion, the latter paragraph
contradicts and disproves the former, showing us that so far from the
Yellow Provence Rose being burned and withered by the sun, we have
only now and then in an exceptional season sunshine sufficient to bring
it to perfection. And for this reason we will leave it —

" If she be not fair for me,
What care I how fair she be ] "

1869.] THE ROSE. 199

More kindly and gracious is the Miniature or Pompon Provence,
always bringing us an early but too transient supply of those lovely
little flowers which were the " baby Roses " and the " pony Roses "
of our childhood. They may be grown on their own roots in clumps
among other Roses, or as edgings to beds, De Meaux and Spong being
the best varieties. The amateur is supposed to be already in posses-
sion of another Liliputian treasure, the Banksian Rose, commended to
him when Ave discussed the Climbers ; and I must here appropriately
introduce him to one more tiny belle, Miss Ernestine de Barente,
Hybrid Perpetual Rose, a darling little maid, with bright pink cheek
and quite *' the mould of form." The Miniature China (Rosa Law-
renceana or Fairy Rose) is more adapted for pot cultivation.

A few varieties from the Hybrid Provence section are valuable in
the general collection, having those lighter tints which are still infre-
quent, being of healthful habit, and growing well either as dwarfs or
standards. Blanchefleur is a very pretty Rose, of the colour com-
monly termed French white — i.e., English white with a slight suffusion
of pink ; Comte Plater and Comtesse de Segur are of a soft buff
or cream colour, the latter a well-shaped Rose ; Princesse Clementine
is a vara avis in ter7'is, but not a bit like unto a black swan, being one
of our best white Roses ; and Rose Devigne is large and beautiful
and blushing. These Roses, having long and vigorous shoots, should
not be severely cut, or they will resent the insult by " running to
wood " — excessive lignification, as I once heard it termed, and burst
out laughing, to the intense digust of the speaker.

And now I am not entirely exempt from the fear, that with some
such similar derision the reader may receive a fact which I propose to
submit to him. It is, nevertheless, as true an incident in my history
as it is a strange statement in his ears, that, once upon a time, some
nine or ten summers since I was driven out of London by a Rose !
And thus it came to pass : Early in June, that period of the year
which tries, I think, more than any other, the patience of the rosarian
waiting in his garden like some lover for his Maud, and vexing his
fond heart with idle fears, I was glad to have a valid excuse for spend-
ing a few days in town. To town I went, transacted my business, saw
the pictures, heard an opera, wept my annual tear at a tragedy (where-
upon a Swell in the contiguous stall looked at me as though I were
going to drown him), roared at Buckstone, rode in the Park, met old
friends — and I was beginning to think that life in the country was
not so very much " more sweet than that of painted pomp," when,
engaged to a dinner-party, on the third day of my visit, and to enliven
my scenery, I bought a Rose. Only a common Rose, one from a
hundred which a ragged girl was hawking in the streets, and which

200 THE GARDENER. [May

the swell I spoke of would have considered oflfal — a Moss-Rosebud,
with a bit of Fern attached. Only a two})enny Rose ; but as I carried
it in my coat, and gazed on it, and specially when, waking next morn-
ing, I saw it in my water-jug — saw it as I lay in my dingy bedroom,
and heard the distant roar of Piccadilly instead of the thrush's song —
saw it, and thought of my own Roses — it seemed as though they had
sent to me a messenger, whom they knew I loved, to bid me "come
home, come home." Then I thought of our dinner-party overnight,
and how my neighbour thereat, a young gentleman who had nearly
finished a fine fortune and a strong constitution, had spoken to me of
a mutual friend, one of the best and cheeriest fellows alive, as " an
awful duffer," "moped to death," "buried alive in some dreadful
hole" (dreadful hole being a charming place in the country), because
he has no taste for stealing or being robbed at races, can't see the wit
of swearing, and has an insuperable partiality for his own wife. And
I arose, reflecting ; and though I had taken my lodgings and arranged
my plans for three more days in London, I went home that morning,
with the Rosebud in my coat.

Ah, my brothers ! of the many blessings which our gardens bring,
there is none more precious than the contentment with our lot, the
deeper love of home, which makes us ever so loth to leave them, so
glad to return once more. And I would that some kindly author, who
loves books and gardens too, would collect for us in one book (a large
one) the testimony of great and good men to the power of this sweet
and peaceful influence — of such witnesses as Bacon and Xewton, Evelyn
and Cowley, Temple, Pope, Addison, and Scott. Writing two of these
names, I am reminded of words particularly pertinent to the incident
which led me to quote them, and which will be welcome, I do not
doubt, even to those gardeners who know them best.

" If great delights," writes Cowley, " be joined with so much inno-
cence, I think it is ill-done of men not to take them here, where they
are so tame and ready at hand, rather than to hunt for them in courts
and cities, where they are so wild, and the chase so troublesome and
dangerous. We are here among the vast and noble scenes of nature,
we are there among the pitiful shifts of policy ; we work here in the
light and open ways of the divine bounty, we grope there in the
dark and confused labyrinths of human malice ; our senses here are
feasted with the clear and genuine taste of their objects, which are all
sophisticated there, and for the most part overwhelmed with their con-
traries. Here is harmless and cheap plenty; there guilty and expensive
luxury."

And Sir William Temple, after a long experience of all the gratifi-
cations which honour and wealth could bring, writes thus from his

1869.] THE ROSE. 201

fair home and beautiful garden at Moor Park : " The sweetness of air,
the pleasantness of smells, the verdure of plants, the cleanness and
lightness of food, the exercises of working or walking, but above all
the exemption from cares and solicitude, seem equally to favour and
improve both contemplation and health, the enjoyment of sense and
imagination, and thereby the quiet and ease both of the body and
mind." And again he speaks of " the sweetness and satisfaction of
this retreat, where, since my resolution taken of never entering again
into any public employments, I have passed five years without ever
going once to town, though I am almost in sight of it, and have a
house there ready to receive me."

Even so to his garden may every true gardener say, as Martial to
his wife Marcella : —

" Eomam tu mihi sola facis,"
*' You make me callous to all meaner charms."

*' Let others seek the giddy throng
Of mirth and revelry ;
The simpler joys which nature yields
Are dearer far to me."

And let there be, by all means, among those joys included a bed of the
Common Moss-Rose — a " well-aired " bed of dry subsoil, for damp is
fatal — in which, planted on its own roots, well manured, closely pruned,
and pegged down, it will yield its flowers in abundance, most lovely,
like American girls, in the bud, but long retaining the charms of their
Ijremih'e jeunesse before they arrive at rosehood. When the soil is
heavy, the Moss-Rose will grow upon the Brier ; and I have had
beautiful standards of Baron de Wassenaer, a pretty cupped Rose,
but wanting in substance ; of Comtesse de Murinais, a very robust
Rose as to wood, but by no means so generous of its white petals ] of
the charming Cristata or Crested, a most distinct and attractive Rose,
first found, it is said, on the walls of a convent near Fribourg or Berne,
which all rosarians should grow, having buds thickly fringed with moss,
and these changing in due season to large and well-shaped flowers of
a clear pink colour ; of Gloire de Mousseuses, the largest member of
the family, and one of the most beautiful pale Roses ; of Laneii, for
which, on its introduction, I gave half-a-guinea, and which repaid
me well with some of the best Moss-Roses I have grown, of a brilliant
colour (bright rose), of a symmetrical shape, and of fine foliage, free
from blight and mildew, those cruel foes of the Rose in general, and
the Moss-Rose in particular ; of Luxembourg, one of the darker
varieties, more remarkable for vigour than virtue ; of Marie de Blois,
a rose of luxuriant growth, large in flower, and rich in moss; of

202

THE GARDENER.

[May

Moussue Presque Partout, a singular variety, curiously mossed upon its
leaves and shoots ; and of Princess Alice, nearly white, free-flowering,
and much like (jomtesse de Murinais. But, as a rule, they soon
deteriorate on the Brier, and the amateur will best succeed in growing
them as I have advised with reference to the Common Moss, Celina
and White Bath I have not included in the preceding list, never having
grown them as standards, but they deserve attention — the first for its
exquisite crimson buds, the second as being our only really white
Moss-Rose, but of very delicate habit.

Of the Moss-Roses called Perpetual, and deserving the name as
autumnal bloomers, Madame Edouard Ory and Salet are the only
specimens which I have grown successfully in my own garden, or ad-
m.ired elsewhere. The former is of a carmine, the latter of a light
rose, tint.

All the Roses which I have selected in this chapter are desirable in
an extensive Rose-garden. To amateurs of less ample range or re-
sources I would commend, as the most interesting, the Common and
Miniature Provence, with the Common and the Crested Moss.

S. Reynolds Hole.

VINE DISEASE IW THE SOUTH OF FKANCE.

Phylloxera vastatrix (J. E. Planchon).— Female specimens and their eggs, a and a, antennse ;
b and b, horns or suckers ; c, egg plainly visible in the body of the insect ; d, the egg ; /,
winged form of the insect. All greatly magnified.

The following account of a new enemy to the Vine, translated from a periodical
published at Ghent (the 'Flore,' edited by Louis van Houtte), may not be un-
acceptable to the readers of the * Gardener. '

In some localities of the south of France the Vines are suffering from the
ravages of a destructive insect, which has lately been noticed for the first time.
M. E. A. Carriere has just published in the ' Revue Horticole ' an extract from

1869.1 NEW VINE DISEASE. 203

an article which M. J. E. Planchon contributed a short time ago to the * Comptes-
Rendus de I'lnstitut' (1868, p. 588). Here is the passage from the 'Revue' : —

"I will here give a brief resume of all I learnt about the habits of the
Phylloxera vastatrix from a series of observations made on the spot, in three
short visits to the south of France ; also all I noticed with reference to the
specimens which I kept in glass bottles during forty consecutive days.

"Its best-known form is that in which no trace of wings can be discovered.
When the insect is about to lay its eggs (that is, in its adult female state), it
forms a small ovoid mass, having its inferior surface flattened, its dorsal surface
convex, being surrounded by a kind of fillet, which is very narrow when it
touches the thoracic part of its body, which (formed by five rather indistinct rings)
is hardly separated from its abdominal part of seven rings.

' ' Six rows of small blunt tubercles form a slight protuberance on the thoracic
segments, and are found very faintly marked on the abdominal segments.
The head is always concealed by the anterior protuberance of the buckler ; the
antennae are almost always inactive. The abdomen, often short and contracted,
becomes elongated towards laying-time, and there can be easily seen one, two, or
sometimes three eggs, in a more or less mature state.

" The egg sometimes retains its yellow colour for one, two, or three days after
it has been laid ; more often, however, it changes to a dull-grey hue. From five
to eight days generally elapse before it is hatched. The duration of this period
depends a good deal on the temperature. The quantity of eggs, and the rapidity
with which they are produced, are probably determined by a variety of circum-
stances— the health of the insect, the quantity of nourishment it is able to obtain,
the weather, and perhaps other causes. A female which had produced six eggs at
eight o'clock a.m. on the 20th of August, had fifteen on the 21st at four p.m. —
that is, she laid nine in thirty-two hours. Other females lay one, two, or three
eggs iu twenty-four hours. The maximum quantity is thirty in five days. The
eggs are generally piled up near the mother without any apparent order, but
she sometimes changes her position so as to scatter them all around her. They
have a smooth surface, and adhere lightly to each other by means of a slimy
matter which attaches to them.

" Hatching takes place through an irregular and often lateral rent in the egg^
the empty and crumpled membrane being found among the other eggs in different
stages of hatching.

"During the first period of their active life — two, three, four, or five days, as
the case may be — the insects are in an erratic state. They creep about as if
they were seeking fur a favourable situation. Their movements are more rapid
than those of adults. They appear to inspect, as it were, with their antennge the
surface they travel over. The movements of the antennae are generally alterna-
tive, and, if the comparison may be pardoned, are not unlike the two sticks of a
blind man, which he uses to explore the ground he is about to tread.

" After a few days of this errant life, the young insects seem to fix upon a spot
to settle in. Most frequently this is a fissure in the bark of a Vine, where their
suckers can be easily plunged into the cellular tissue, full of saccharine matter.
If you make a fresh wound on the root by cutting ofi" a little piece of the bark,
you may see the 'Pucerons' range themselves in rows around the wound, and,
once fixed, they apply to the root their antennae, which appear like two small
divergent horns. At this period of their life, about the 13th or 14th day after
their birth, they are more or less sedentary ; but they change their places if a
new wound is made on the root, which promises a fresh supply of food.

" What sense is this which directs these subterraneous ' Pucerons ' towards the

204 THE GARDENER. [May

place which is most suitable for them ? It cannot be sight, as their eyes are
merely coloured spots, and they creep as if they were blind. It cannot be hear-
ing, because they seek no prey but a vegetable tissue. It is probably the sense
of smelling ; and one may well ask if the nuclei which appear enshrined in the
last articulations of the antennre are not the organs of this function, the seat of
which has been so much disputed ? Among these non-adult insects, attached by
their suckers to the Vine-root, are seen, here and there, some of middle size.
Their colour is a deeper orange, the abdomen shorter and more squarely formed.
These individuals are more sedentary than the others. I have sometimes ima-
gined they might be wingless (apterous) males of the species ; but as nothing has
happened to confirm this very problematical hypothesis, and as I have seen
undoubted females much resembling these examples in colour and form, I incline
to the belief that there are no sexual differences among them. A kind of double
moult precedes the adult state. The first takes place shortly after birth, the
second after laying-time. Some uncertainty, however, hangs over the number
of these changes, as the cast-off skins are often found mixed up with groups of
'Pucerons' of different ages, and it is difficult to distinguish them. Ou the
morbid tuberosities of the fibrous Vine-roots, or on the off-shoots of the roots,
the * Pucerons ' (perhaps better nourished) seem to pass more quickly through
the different phases I have described ; but excepting that their colour is paler,
they present no marked difference.

" The winged form of the Phylloxera might easily be taken for a separate species.
The rare specimens which I have seen have all come from the ' Pucerons ' nour-
ished on the newly - attacked Vine radicles. In their infant (or it might be
called their larva) state they resemble those which I have suggested may be
males, but the buckler soon becomes more strongly marked than in these last ;
and a kind of band seems distinctly to define the separation between this and the
abdomen. The sheaths of the wings, triangular-shaped and of a greyish colour,
appear on both sides of the buckler. It is easy to predict the advent of a winged
insect from this chrysalis. "When one of these nympha; is seen to quit its place
and to crawl over the root, or up the side of the bottle where it may have been
put, its transformation is near. Soon, instead of a sort of pupa, a beautiful little
fly appears, whose two pairs of wings, crossed horizontally, are much larger than
its body.

" It is impossible to doubt the identity of this insect with the * Puceron ' which
formed one of the s^\arm on the Vine-root. The details of the structure of cer-
tain organs — the antennee, claws, tarsi, and suckers — establish their identity.

" The horizontal position of the wings completely distinguishes the Phylloxera
from the true aphis, whose wings are always more or less inclined upwards.
The two larger wings, obliquely oboval and cuniform, have a lineal areole on the
larger basilary half of their outer edge ; and this is enclosed in an interior ' nerv-
ure,' which answers, I suppose, to the radial muscle. One single oblique nervure
(or corneous division) is detached from this last, and reaches to the inner edge.
Two other lines start from the end of the wing, and, becoming narrower as they
proceed, advance towards the oblique nervure, but end before reaching it. These
are not, perhaps, nervures, but rather folds, for I have observed them absent.

" The inferior wings, both narrower and much shorter, have a marginal nervure
running from the base to the middle, but it loses itself in a gentle protuberance,
which the wing shows in this place ; a radial nervure runs parallel to the first,
and disappears before it reaches the same spot.

"The eyes, black and (relatively) very largo, are irregularly globular, with
marked conical nipples ; their surface is granular, but a pointed depression is

1869.] NEW VINE DISEASE. 205

observed in the centre of each glandule. A round eye-shaped spot occupies the
centre of the forehead.

" Among fifteen winged specimens of the Phylloxera which have come under my
notice, not one has presented any sexual difference. Almost all of them laid two
or three eggs, and their death (which happened soon after) may have been caused
by their imprisonment in the bottles. Their eggs resembled those of the wing-
less Phylloxera, and though they were only two or three in number, they com-
pletely filled the abdomen of the mother. They were easily seen by placing the
insect under the microscope. I do not know how long the eggs remain before they
are hatched, or if they always produce the winged form of the insect. It is pro-
bable that these winged individuals serve for the transportation of this insect
plague to a distance ; not that their wings would serve them for a rapid flight —
they are too inactive, they move them very little, and in rising from the ground
their horizontal position is preserved. My observations were, however, made
under very unfavourable conditions, the insect being in a state of captivity ; but
I suppose that even in a natural state the wind is the principal agent for the
dispersion of the Phylloxera, as it is for many of the insect tribe. In any case,
the discovery of this form of the Phylloxera provided with wings, and evidently
fitted for an aerial life, is sufiicient to explain the hitherto embarrassing fact of the
rapid spread of the Vine-plagues. As to the spread of the disease from one Vine
to another, the wingless ' Pucerons ' may suffice for this, as, grouped in great
numbers about the lower part of unhealthy Vine-stems, they might easily attack
the Vines nearest them, even if they be healthy. It may be asked in what
manner these insects manage to travel from one Vine stock to another, and how
they contrive to reach the fibrous roots of the newly-attacked stocks 1 Do they
burrow under the soil, or do they not rather travel along the surface of the earth
under cover of the darkness and coolness of night, and then, traversing the fissures
in the bark, arrive in this manner at the extremities of the roots ? This conjecture
is a probable one, and the following experiment supports it : —

"In a case 1 yard long I placed some garden soil from Montpellier, a place
entirely free from the Phylloxera. In this earth I carefully laid some pieces of
Vine-cane infested with wingless ' Pucerons.' I placed a handglass over each
cane, and slightly raised the glass on one side in order to allow the insect to creep
out. At three centimetres' distance from the pieces of cane I put some frag-
ments of root from a healthy Vine, on which I had made fresh wounds. In
twelve hours the following results were obtained : Three ' Pucerons ' had found
their way from one of the Vine-canes to the nearest piece of Vine-root. Some
days after, twenty young ' Pucerons ' occupied the same fragment, A few in-
sects were to be found on the other fragments. One piece of root had attracted
none, but the Vine-cane nearest to it had very few insects upon it which were
capable of changing their places.

"A similar experiment has been made by M. Frederic Leydier at the farm of
Lancieux, near Sigondas (a part of the country already infested by the Phyl-
loxera), and by another person near Sorgues, The results of these experiments
have not been satisfactory ; but this does not prove that, under other conditions,
or with a greater amount of perseverance, they might not have been successful.
It is fortunate that this new enemy to the Vine attacks it (in the first instance)
at the base of the stem, and not underground at the fibres. As it is, a thorough
dressing of the bottom of the stem with coal-tar will probably prove an insur-
mountable obstacle to the progress of this destructive insect ; but were the case
otherwise, it would be very difi&cult to get down deep enough to reach an enemy
so well protected by the depth of the soil. " N.

206 THE GARDENER. [May

THE CULTIVATION" OF HARDY FRUITS.

{Continued from page 167.)

Havixg thus far detailed our experience upon the Pear, and having
given what directions and instructions concerning its cultivation we
deemed to be the best, it is now our intention to direct the reader to
the cultivation of the

APPLE,

than which there is not a more generally esteemed or more useful fruit
in cultivation. The varieties of the Apple are numberless, yet,
notwithstanding, the really good and useful kinds are not so abundant.
With a good selection and careful management during the winter and
spring, it is quite an easy matter to encircle the year " with a gorge-
ous garland " of baking and dessert Apples. This was a feat once not
of such easy accomplishment, but the skill and experience which have
been brought to bear upon the raising of new and long-keeping varie-
ties has accomplished the object for which our forefathers longed and
waited in vain.

The Apple, like the Pear, should be propagated either by budding
or grafting, or, where new varieties are wanted, by seed. Some of the
more common sorts will succeed tolerably well from suckers and layers,
but in all cases we would recommend them to be grafted or budded.
There are various stocks used for the Apple, but the most common is
what is popularly known as the "free stock" — the common Crab, or
Pyrus IVIalus of Linn. There are several forms even of this stock,
some of which are far more suitable than others. In selecting a
Crab from which to gather seeds intended for raising stocks, there are
several things to be considered. The tree should be healthy and fruit-
ful, not a gross grower, and as little inclined to send up suckers as
possible. If the tree is too gross in its growth, it will not prove a
good stock, as it would impart too much vigour to the scion to make
it fruitful ; and all the root-pruning which might be done for it might
never make it so fruitful a tree as if the stock used had not been so
robust. The sort of stock which is best suited for the Apple in one
locality may not be the best in another, and that for various reasons.
The "free stock" is best suited for localities such as this, where
we have an amount of rainfall nearly equal to any in Britain, in
addition to severe and protracted frosts, to which we are liable less
or more nearly all the year round. It is no uncommon thing in this
locality to see the grass crisp and white before sunrise even in June
and July. I have made this explanation in order to convey to the
reader an idea of the sort of climate we have in the west of Scotland,

1869.] CULTIVATION OF Hx\RDY FRUITS. 207

so tliat he may clearly compreliend what are our reasons for preferring
the "free" to the Paradise or any other stock for this district. We
prefer it because it is more hardy, and can resist better the evil influ-
ences of the moisture and wetness of the locality, and because it is
better adapted for resisting the severe frosts which often succeed a
continuation of wet weather in early spring and winter. We should,
however, prefer the Paradise stock if it combined the good quali-
ties in these particulars which are possessed by its more robust
brother. When visiting Springwood Park, the seat of Sir George
Douglas, in Pioxburghshire, lately, I was favoured, through the goodness
of Mr Wemyss, Sir George's able gardener, with a few stocks of a
variety of Crab which has grown for hundreds of years in what is now
called the Abbey Park, and which at one time was the property of the
monks who inhabited Kelso Abbey. There are two trees standing
together near the centre of the park, and tradition says — and appear-
ance guarantees — that both had been planted by the monks. If this
be so, they cannot be less than 325 years old ; and in all probability
they are much older, as the Abbey of Kelso was finally reduced to its
present ruinous state in 1545. The two trees are as different in appear-
ance the one from the other as day is from night. The one is strong,
vigorous, and very healthy, and at a distance presents the appearance
of a huge beech-tree. The trunk cannot be less than 10 feet in circum-
ference, with a clear stem from 12 to 15 feet, from which the branches
diverge in all directions, until they cover a space of ground which must
be nearly 300 feet in circumference. It rises to a height of 60 or 70
feet, and is altogether b}'' far the most noble tree of the kind I ever
beheld. The other is quite a pigmy beside it. Its height cannot be
more than 25 feet, and the tree altogether may be considered to bear
much the same proportions to the other in every respect. It is more
compact in its habit, very short-jointed, and presents a prickly appear-
ance much resembling a blackthorn. It is from this tree that the
stocks I have got have been produced ; and from the nature and habit
of the tree I am convinced it will make an admirable stock for the
Apple. Mr Wemyss showed me several trees in the gardens at Spring-
wood which had been grafted upon stocks raised from it, and which
proved how admirably they suited the purpose. Several of them had
been grafted seventeen years ago, and presented all the appearance of
healthfulness and good constitution which could be desired, while they
were dwarfed in their growth equally as much as if the Paradise stock
had been used. Their height would be between 5 and 6 feet, forming
trim little bushes full of plump and healthy blossom-buds ; and Mr
Wemyss assured me that no trees in the garden gave more regular or
better fruit. Now this is the sort of stock which we require ; and if it

208 THE GARDENER. [May

proves to be possessed of all the good qualities which I believe it has,
it will be a great acquisition, especially to fruit-growers in Scotland
and the north of England. The Paradise stock is in much demand
with many growers ; but, for the reasons already given, we are of opin-
ion that it is neither hardy enough nor of good enough constitution for
wet and cold local ties ; in fact, as a rule it will not give much satisfac-
tion farther north than the midland counties of England. I do not
deny the fact that it may live and do tolerably for a few short years
anywhere in Britain, but it is a well-ascertained fact that beyond the
line I have indicated it can never take the place of the "free stock."

The raising of Apple stocks is done exactly the same as I have
already directed for Pears, so that it is quite unnecessary for me to enter
into details regarding it. I may, however, give the details of how
seedling Apples are raised in Normandy. I quote from Mr Thompson's
'Gardener's Assistant,' page 461 : "In Normandy, where Apples are
extensively cultivated, the pomace is taken and rubbed between the
hands in a vessel of water, in order to separate the pulp from the jnps.
After allowing some time for settling, a part of the contents of the
vessel is poured off, so as to get clear of the pomace and bad seeds, the
pips at the bottom being the only ones that should be made use of.
These are dried and kept in a dry place till they are sown. The sow-
ing is then performed as soon as the hard frosts are over, for the seed
of the Apple does not long maintain its germinative powers. The
ground should be well prepared, finely pulverised, and enriched with
decayed manure. Drills are made 1 inch deep, and from 7 to 9 inches
apart, and in these the seeds are deposited, then covered with fine
soil, and afterwards rolled, or pressed close with the back of the spade.
It is sometimes advisable to mulch the surface, to prevent it becoming
too dry. When the plants are 1 or 2 inches high they are thinned
out in rainy weather, otherwise the seed-beds should be watered to
settle the earth about the roots of the plants left." The after-manage-
ment of the seedlings with regard to transplanting and general man-
agement is exactly the same as I have given when treating of the
raising of seedling Pears (see page 1 6 of the January number) ; and as
it is quite unnecessary to make a repetition of the same, I must refer
the reader to that number for full information upon that point.

It is a point ever to be attended to, however, in the management of
either stocks for grafting or seedling Apples, to get them to grow vig-
orously, and ever keep them in a healthy state. For this purpose they
ought to be annually dressed with good rich manure, which ought not
to be placed in direct communication with the roots, but in such a
position as to derive all the benefit possible from it. Root-pruning of
the stocks ought to be as regularly practised as if they were young

1869.] JOTTINGS ON THE TULIP. 209

Apple-trees ; for it does not only keep the roots from wandering, but it
is also the means of inducing a hardy and robust constitution in the
plant, which it must at once impart to the scion. It is a well-ascer-
tained fact that the stock has considerable influence over the scion,
both with regard to the markings and colourings of the foliage, and
the size and flavour of the fruit. If this be the case, it is quite an
easy matter to see that the healthier and hardier the stock is before
grafting, the healthier and hardier we must expect the scion to become
after the union. In all garden practice this is an accepted rule ; yet,
strange to say, in the matter of stocks for grafting hardy fruit-trees
upon, it is as a rule almost entirely lost sight of. How often do we
see a lot of stocks for grafting huddled up into an out-of-the-way cor-
ner altogether unsuited for their growth, receiving no attention what-
ever, but allowed to grow and ramble at large until they are required
for grafting ! Such practice is altogether antagonistic to sound reason,
and no wonder the results of grafting upon such stocks should so often
prove very unsatisfactory. Let us be more careful in the management
of our stocks, and I fear not but that we shall have healthier and har-
dier young fruit-trees, which shall be a credit to the raiser and a profi-
table investment to the buyer. James M'Millan.

{To he continued.)

JOTTINGS ON THE TULIP.

NO. II.

* ' Not one of Flora's brilliant race
A form more perfect can display ;
Art could not feign more simple grace,
Nor Nature take a line away.

— Montgomery.

To cultivate a hobby is not generally to make a fortune — and even a
fair amount of fame is not always attainable. But, on the contrary,
a considerable degree of ridicule more frequently falls to the share of
those whose whims and fancies do not quite accord with our own, and
which, with but very few exceptions, each one of the human family is
so intent on carrying out his own hobby, in a lesser or greater degree,
with all the ardoar and perseverance worthy of a greater work. We
are too ready to censure and ridicule our neighbour for the zeal he
displays in overcoming an obstacle in the way to the end he has in
view — the carrying out his own ideal — at the same time forgetful of
the equally extravagant fancy of our own adoption.

Parson Gilpin's neighbours could see nothing to admire so very

210 THE GARDENER. [May

much in his bed of Tulips, and wondered why he bestowed so much
care and attention on so frivolous an object. It was the parson's hobby,
and he carried it out with a right good will, regardless of the criticisms
of those whose hobby would perhaps prove far more expensive and
absurd than his own. Very likely the good man raised his own seed-
lings, and consequently escaped an item of expense not always within
the compass of a parson's purse. However that might be, history
does not record the fact, and we are left to presume that he did ; and
if he did not, he would assuredly neglect one of the greatest charms
that floriculture can bestow on the amateur florist ; for if one branch
of floriculture more than another is calculated to afford a greater
amount of pleasure to the ardent cultivator, it is that which is offered
in the production of seminal varieties.

The Auricula, Pink, Carnation, Picotee, and other florist flowers,
have each its own admirers, and its own field for operation, and have
all made rapid strides of improvement, under the hand of the skilful
hybridiser, within the last twenty years ; and, notwithstanding, there
remains abundant scope for the persevering and enterprising votary
before he arrives at the point where improvement is unattainable. To
the Tulip this remark is especially applicable — there being abundant
scope for improvement, and but few, comparatively, earnestly intent
on carrying it on. And the reason seems apparent when we take into
account the length of time it requires to test the produce of a pod of
seed. The planting year after year, for five and very frequently for
six successive years, of the little bulb, and the consequent care and
attention this entails before one bloom rewards the patience of the
raiser of them, is doubtless the bar to the commencement of raising
seedlings by so many of the Tulip's best cultivators and warmest
admirers.

Could I but point out a way — a royal road — by means of which
the zenith could be attained in a single year, these stray notes might
possibly be pronounced worthy of the space they occupy; and the
complaint would then very speedily be without foundation, in the fact
that the Tulip is far behind its compeers in properties and attractions.
Every grower might then be induced to try his " 'prentice hand," and
we should soon have abundant proof of the advancement the flower
is capable of.

But as I cannot promise the knowledge of this royal road, I may
perhaps be allowed to mention the attempts of a London nurseryman,
some fifty years ago, to hasten on the growth of seedling bulbs
generally, by what might be termed an artificial method — namely,
sowing the seed as soon as ripe, and not suffering the young plants
to die down at the end of a season, but applying stimulants, and

1869.] JOTTINGS ON THE TULIP. 211

allowing only short intervals of rest, tlms giving the bulbs three or
four seasons of growth in two years, by this means attaining the object
in view.

Seeino; a notice of this new method induced me in 1840 to make
an autumnal sowing of Tulip-seed ; but I failed entirely in producing
germination until the following year, when the young plants appeared
at the same time as those sown six months later ; and I never after-
wards made a second attempt, but contented myself Avith the old
plodding system, requiring a little more patience, and have now each
succeeding May some new breeders as a reward for my labour.

The last season of 1868 was, beyond every previous one in my
experience, the best for obtaining large quantities of well-matured
seed ; so that, if the amateur can be said to make his fortune by his
hobby, he surely had it in his own hands, had he embraced the
opportunity afforded by such a fine year of brightness and splendour.
"Whether under an awning — where the Tulip will rarely perfect its seed
— or on the open bed, the result was the same. Seed could be obtained
for the mere trouble of allowing the pod to ripen ; and hundreds of
young plants an inch or two in length in early autumn bore ample
testimony to the quality of the seed. To place the usual glass
protector over the ripening pod was not at all necessary to keep out
the wet and to retain the heat ; for the heat was most excessive, and
the wet most ardently longed for all the time the pods were maturing,
and never fell. The consequence is, a finer sample of seed could not
possibly be desired — so bright and full, and with the promise of every
seed germinating. So there are doubtless some grand specimens in
embryo, to appear in some future year, to delight and gratify the fortun-
ate possessor, and place his name side by side with Clarke, Lawrence,
and Goldham, wdio were all successful in their day; or, later, with
Gibbons, noted for his batch of Chellastons ; with Mr Headley of
Stapleford, who can outnumber so many of his compeers in new and
beautiful varieties of his own raising ; and with Mr Storer of Derby,
whose superb Bizarres are the admiration of every grower of a bed of
Tulips.

The parents of this justly- esteemed batch of seedlings were
Gibbons's Pilot crossed with Shakespeare; and the colours of the
progeny lean, in some to one parent, and in some to the other. But to
compare them with either would be giving but a very faint idea of the
beauty of the offspring. All are so great an improvement on the
parent stock that comparison would fall infinitely short of the mark.
I might enumerate a score or more of these beautiful Bizarres, could
I only give them each a name, which the raiser unfortunately neglected
to do in so many instances, and left them entirely to the fancy of

p

212 THE GARDENER. [May

future growers for the mere chance of one to distinguish them by. So,
like the Chellastons, which w^ere ushered into the world some thirty-
years before them, producing, in the words of our dear old respected
friend Fred Wood of the Coppice, "confusion worse confounded,"
so truthfully applied by him to the Chellastons. You had only to
forward your order to the fortunate raiser, with a draft for the
amount, to be convinced of the fact ; for in the most generous manner
possible would he pay attention to your requirements by packing you
off, in one parcel, breeders and broke flowers, flowering roots and
offsets, leaving it to yourself to supply the lacking nomenclature he
was so sadly regardless of.

I find want of space compels me to leave the description of a few
of these beautiful seedlings for a future paper. Omicrox

April 1869.

HINTS FOR AMATEURS.-MAY.

The past mild winter, cold biting March, and the warm weather we
have experienced in April, have given us a " hint " not to put too much
dependence in what may seem to tempt us to leave tender plants of
any kind unprotected, as it is in changeable weather that mischief is
generally done. After hot sunny days cold nights often follow. It is
better to err on the safe side than run any risk. This is applicable to
half-hardy plants, and also hardy ones which have been protected from
severe weather. We have lately seen the thermometer standing at from
50° to 60° in the evening, and the following morning the ground in low-
lying places has been quite stiff with frost. Vegetables — such as French
Beans, Tomatoes, Potatoes, &c. — which have been brought forward
under protection, must have that protection continued at night for
some time to come. Some of the hardiest plants we have often seen
killed by sudden exposure after being protected. As an example, we
bought a great many dwarf common Yew^s to form a hedge. After they
were planted, a severe frost, in March, set in and killed the most of
them, A number of our own, taken from our exposed " storing-ground,"
and planted with the others at the same time, were left unscathed.
So much for protected hardy shrubs, and vice versa. It may thus be
necessary to caution amateurs and others to ascertain in what position
and other circumstances plants have been kept in nurseries before they
take them to exposed positions for planting Of course, green healthy-
looking plants are often the effects of injudicious protection. We
have lately removed many thousands of the usual bedding plants from
high temperatures under the shade of Vines, (fee, and have not had

1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 213

any injury done to tlie most tender kinds. They are placed in sunk pits
with boarded covers, which are removed by degrees till the plant will
stand sun and air ; but when wind is cold and biting, little air only is
given, and that from the opposite side from where the wind comes.
Glass, as a matter of course, would save much trouble and labour in such
cases ; but in its absence many makeshifts can be of tolerable service.
When flower-pots or similar coverings are used for protection, they should
stand clear of the leaves, otherwise they would be worse than useless.
The main early crops of Scarlet Runners and French Beans may now
be sown. The former do well as a blind from anything unsightly, or
in a row similar to Peas. However, they require good deep soil, other-
wise they would seed prematurely and run themselves done ; but by
mulching, watering, and keeping the pods well picked off, they would
keep on bearing all the season ; but it is safe to have two or three
successions. They may be planted 3 or 4 inches apart in the rows,
and stake them before the wind destroys the foliage. They can be
kept dwarf and in full bearing by topping them in. They thus form
neat edgings to other crops. French Beans, being dwarf, are of little
trouble, but the rows should be at least 2 feet apart. In Scotland or
the colder parts of England this crop should be sown in the most
sheltered parts of the garden, as in cold seasons they often do not
come to much. Peas for succession should be sown at least twice or
three times in the month; and if these are in properly-prepared ground,
they will give pickings till frost takes them ; this applies to Scotland.
In England we always could sow a month later with success ; but if
watering, mulching, and the crop kept cleanly picked before the pods
become old, are neglected, no other attention will secure success. Peas
delight in deep well-cultivated soil, and the seed should not be too
thickly sown. Stake them in time, as the breaking at the necks of
the plants causes premature fruiting. We top strong-growing kinds
back, which causes them to break out and pod freely. Mildew is
often the result of ground left untrenched, the roots going only to the
hard bottom, and therefore cannot escape drought. The warmer soil
and climate in the south give greater facilities for close cropping
than in the north. Early and late crops are more easily secured, and
more abundant supplies can be taken out of less ground, than in the
north. Judicious manuring, winter trenching, itc, must in every case
be carried out. Allowing change of crop is also of great importance.
We make this an easy matter with Peas, as they are sown in single
rows, dividing off other crops ; and though in the same quarters of the
garden every season, are seldom near the same place. Small succes-
sions frequently sown are necessary to keep up regular supplies of
most things. We have seen in market-gardens near London three

2U . THE GARDENER. [May

crops coming on at once in tlie same ground ; and although we
could in a great measure do the same in private gardens in Eng-
land, we could not with any chance of success attempt the same
in the north. The practice is excellent where it can be carried
out, as one crop is off and used up before the space is filled up
by the other. The surface - soil should not be allowed to be-
come baked over the roots of any vegetables, but the steel fork,
lioe, (tc, should be freely used. The loose surface acts as a mulching.
Sow broad Beans for succession as formerly advised, and top the
stalks when enough of flowers show for a crop. Let all early sowings
of crops, especially roots, be looked over, and where failures have
occurred, let them be made up without delay. Early Horn Carrot
will come in quickly if the larger kinds have been destroyed. When
the ground is stiff, lime may be freely dug in, which will help to
destroy grubs, &c. We saw, the other day, this practice carried out
with great success in an old garden where Carrots, Parsnips, tfcc, had
failed for many years. Light ground would not be benefited in the
same way by lime. Soakings of lime-water are of great service where
grubs are destructive. Soot and guano dusted among growing crops
in showery weather are useful agents for promoting free growth. Sow
more Turnips, and thin any requiring it ; for drawing young 6 inches
apart will do, but for larger size 8 to 12 inches is not too much. Carrots
thinned out 4 inches apart will be enough for drawing young, but 8 to
12 inches in good ground is not too much for the larger-growing kinds.
Beet will do well at 8 inches apart. Parsnips we thin to 15 inches
between each plant ; when allowed to remain too thick, the toj)s are
liable to decay. Celery may now be pricked out without delay.
Shade them often till they are growing freely, and give plenty of
water. Moist rotten dung 4 inches thick will do well for pricking
out on. An inch or two of fine soft soil on the surface is necessary for
the young roots to be planted in. We give the usual caution not to
''firm" the necks of the seedlings instead of the roots. Make ridges
for planting out earlier crops, which may be wide enough for three or
four rows, though many prefer one row only to a ridge ; the space
may be wide or narrow accordingly. Though many growers prefer
only 8 inches betvv^een each plant, we believe as heavy a crop can be
realised when a foot is allowed between each plant, and the quality will
be very much better. Lettuce, French Beans, Turnips, or Dwarf Peas
can be grown on the tops of the ridges ; and a row of tall Peas at each
side of the plot is a good practice, as Celery likes a little shade when
plenty of water is not at hand. Abundance of water may be given at
all times ; and if the manure placed in the trenches is not extra good,
abundance of manure-water will do great things. Broccolis of the

1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 215

early and autumn kinds may be sown for succession. Walclieren and
Snow's especially will be useful. Cauliflowers should be planted out
before they become stunted in the seed-bed. Wood-ashes and soot
placed by the roots of each plant in process of planting will help
to keep "clubbing" in check. This practice is useful with all such
plants. Lettuce may be thinned out, and the best of the thinnings
planted on cool ground in a shady position. Sow a good breadth
for summer crops, to be likewise thinned. Plenty of manure and well-
worked ground are necessary to give crispness to Lettuces. Fill every
space that can be spared with Brussels Sprouts, Kale, Savoys, Broccoli,
Cabbage, &c. The quantities can only be regulated by the demand
for each kind. Plenty of Kale and Brussels Sprouts are of great
service when winters are severe. The above, except Cabbage, may all
be planted into neatly-drawn drills 2 feet apart, and the same distance
in the rows. Cabbage may be planted thickly, and the crop reduced
to every alternate plant, using those pulled out for greens in autumn
if required. Savoys generally are wide enough apart at 18 inches
each way. AVe always make a puddle with a little soot, red -lead,
earth, and water, dipping in the roots and stems before planting. This,
with a good soaking, is all we require to give them, except plenty of
surface-stirring with the hoe. The roots get into the deeply-trenched
ground, where drought cannot reach them. Vegetable Marrows,
Gourds, Ridge Cucumbers, and Tomatoes, prepared as formerly ad-
vised, may be put in their bearing-quarters from the third week in the
month to the first week of June. Protection with handlights, &c.,
after planting, till the plants are growing freely, is of great importance
when plenty of fine produce is wanted. In Scotland and north of
England Tomatoes require walls for training and fruiting the plants
on. The Orangefield does well in pot, and requires no training. We
prefer training the free-growing kinds with one stem running like a
rope, rubbing ofl* every lateral as it appears, saving the bunches of
flowers which appear at every joint. In the southern English counties
all the above are grown with as little trouble as Potatoes. Though
ridges of manure are thrown up for Cucumbers, and covered with
good soil, we have had them do equally well in common borders. A
start with warm manure and handlights brings them into bearing
quickly. New Zealand Spinach does well in any open piece of ground.
A few plants raised in pots and planted out will give a large supply,
and saves labour and ground in keeping up supplies of round-leaved
Spinach. Keep up a supply of small Salad by sowing small pinches
frequently, and giving plenty of water in dry weather. Cucumbers
and Melons will now require less attention than they did earlier in the
season ; but careful attention, with air and water, is necessary, keeping

216 THE GARDENER. [May

the shoots thin and pinching out the tops of Cucumbers above the
fruit. They should not be allowed to bear too many. Melons should
be set all at one time, keeping the structure dry and airy till the fruit
is like hen's eggs ; then give a good watering (at a temperature of 80°)
all over the bed, keeping the collars of the plants dry. Keep linings
well made up, to keep up the temperature at night from G5^ to 70''.
Some allow it much higher, but they do well at 70°.

Fruit-trees will require to be disbudded as formerly advised, but
doing it only by degrees, and not suddenly exposing the fruit, which
might cause much dropping off. Stop gross-growing shoots, or take
them off if they can be spared. Use the engine or syringe freely to
keep the foliage clean and healthy. When the fruit is swelling and
the leaves firm, the whole of the under sides of them can be sprinkled
with water in which 2 oz. of hellebore powder to the gallon has been
mixed. A little soft-soap mixed with it will cause it to stick better. A
pipe syringe, with the finger pressed on it so that the liquid comes out
as spray, prevents it from running off. We use this extensively and
with great success for wall-trees, as well as gooseberry and other fruit
bushes, for the prevention of caterpillar, &c. Fruit-trees lately planted
may require a good soaking of water, and some dry soil thrown over
the surface of the roots to prevent evaporation. Better to give plenty
of water and have done with it, than frequent dribblings, which only
keep the soil cool and prevent free growth.

All shrubs lately planted require at least one good soaking — mulch-
ing them is also of great service. Keeping them from being blown
about by wind is indispensable to their wellbeing ; stakes and ropes
at equal distances, all round large trees, are the most secure method
we adopt. Many large Hollies, Rhododendrons, Yews, Boxes, and
Pinuses, are doing well with us, which were lifted during the past
season, and have only had one thorough watering ; but a heavy mulch-
ing of rotten leafy manure was given immediately afterwards. One
large Holly 40 feet high, lifted from a rocky piece of ground with a
small ball, but with well-cared-for roots, had a cartload of mulching;
to itself, and two men carried water to the roots for an hour. The
tree is pushing into fresh growth as if it had never been moved.

Lawns and w^alks require close attention to keep them in good order.
Mowing frequently, and rolling after showers, will keep this part of
the grounds in good condition. A watering with guano-water, at the
rate of a small handful to 3 gallons, will aid grass which has been lately
sown. Dustings of guano in showery weather will help it on.

All plants for decoration outside should now be gradually hardened,
by exposing them to light and air when weather will permit. Such
plants as Pansies, Cerastium, Variegated Dactylis, and other hardy

1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 217

plants, should be put in their permanent quarters. Planting is generally
commenced from the 20th to the end of the month. The ground
should break freely with the trowel while planting is going on, and
the soil be pressed gently to the roots. A watering should be given
afterwards if the ground is very dry, and dry soil drawn over it will
prevent evaporation ; but if watering has to be repeated, a good soaking
all over should be given. Annuals for late blooming should now be
sown, and those up thinned to 3 or 4 inches apart. Let the hoe be
freely used among Roses, and if the soil is light and the weather dry give
good soakings of water. Cow-dung water, reduced by using 1 gallon to
6 of soft water, will be found a safe stimulant. Look after suckers,
which soon take the lead on weakly-growing kinds. They should be cut
off close to the stock. Tulips may be kept from heavy rains — canvass
coverings stretched on wooden frames answer well — if fine flowers are
valued by growers of these bulbs. Stake and tie up Pinks and Carna-
tions when they are ready ; wind soon snaps the flower-stems when
they are tall. Give attention to plants under glass by shifting them as
the roots come to the sides of the pots. See that drainage is kept
clear, and that no w^eeds or greenness appear on the surface of the pots.
Frequent stirring keeps the soil healthy. Water may now be given in
the after-part of the day to everything except plants lately taken from
heat to cold. A stock of Calceolarias, Fuchsias, Pelargoniums, Helio-
tropes, (fee, may be potted for window-gardening or for flowering in
greenhouses. Some of the free-growing Verbenas have a fine appear-
ance growing in pots or baskets. If the leading shoots are trained
out flat on circular wire, and the side-shoots allowed to grow upright,
they are superior to any Achimenes extant, and no unsightly stakes
are seen. Windows can be kept gay with Stocks, Asters, Mignon-
ette, Geraniums, Nasturtiums, &c. Great attention with water is
necessary. We lately saw a window in Edinburgh gay with Tulips,
Narcissus, Isolepis gracilis, common Ferns, Saxifragas, &c. Shells of
cocoa-nuts, baskets, pieces of rock, &c., were used for growing them
in with excellent eff'ect. Glass cases were placed in front of the win-
dows, divided into apartments to suit the various kinds of plants.
One great fault was that air could not be given to the dwelling except
by passing through the plants. Though the fragrance was pleasant,
we are not of opinion that it was conducive to health.

M. T.

— -s-8s^,^:^i«-«-K~—

218 THE GARDENER. [May

WEW PLANTS OF THE PAST MONTH.

Theee must be a demand still for named Cinerarias (though named
varieties are by no means so popular as they were a few years ago), or
else it would not repay the trouble of raisers to name their seedlings
and exhibit them as such. As producers of new kinds, Messrs F. &
A. Smith of Dulwich, London, are almost alone in the work ; and,
during the past month, they have on two occasions exhibited some
new kinds, to two of which first-class certificates were awarded — viz.,
Royal Purple, having a broad rich purplish-blue edge, with a slight
ring of white as a ground colour round a large pale disc ; — the flowers
were of massive proportions, smooth, and somewhat unduly reflexed :
and Orb of Day, the broad edge of an intense rosy crimson, and nar-
row ring of white as a ground, surrounded with a belt of vivid crimson
at the junction of the two colours, and large white disc. Both are fine
and telling varieties. The same raisers received a second-class certifi-
cate for Ino, white ground, with a narrow edge of bright rosy-purple,
and dark disc, a pleasing flower.

Azaleas, also, have come to the fore, being represented by some
good flowers. Foremost for its rich colour and general fine properties
must be placed La Superbe, exhibited by Mr C. Turner, a large bold
flower, of a bright orange crimson hue, darker and better in colour
than Stella, as well as of greater size, though somewhat flat, and appear-
ing to have a vigorous habit and free blooming. A very promising
variety, named Emma Ivery, was exhibited by Messrs Ivery & Son,
Dorking. It was in the way of Charmer, but of a deeper and better
colour ; and though a little rough as shown, it had the appearance
of being seen in better condition later. It is of a fine glow of colour
for exhibition purposes. Rosa Ivery was another variety in the way
of Charmer, but paler, and had a very pretty and pleasing flower.
James Veitch, exhibited by Messrs Veitch & Sons, is a variety that was
much admired at the International Exhibition at Ghent last year. It
is of a bright deep violet rose, very effective in colouring; but the
flower was small, rough, and crumpled.

Hyacinth Hector, exhibited by Mr William Paul, is a fine greyish
pale single blue variety, of massive proportions and superb finish.
It is of a very pleasing hue, and promises to be a favourite flower
when it has increased sufiiciently to be distributed, probably some
fifteen or twenty years hence. It was awarded a first-class certificate.
A pale buff single variety named Sonora was also exhibited by Mr
W. Paul. In point of size the spike was good, but the bells being
small and very numerous, it had a rough appearance j while the foliage

1869.] NEW PLANTS OF THE PAST MONTH. 219

was so tall that the spike of bloom appeared to be lost in a well of
vigorous green leaves.

A first-class certificate was awarded to a distinct dwarf -habited Agave,
named De Smetiana, one of the smaller-growing species, in which
the leaves have a pale-brownish margin, broken up by irregular, coarse,
flattened spines of the same colour, varying in form and curving in
difi'erent directions. It was exhibited by Mr Green, gardener to W.
Wilson Saunders, Esq. of Keigate.

The same award was made to Messrs E. G. Henderson & Son, for
Spirea (Hoteia) Japonica variegata, a variegated form of S. Japonica, of
a very striking appearance, the red-stalked leaves having all the main
veins marked out with creamy white, producing a pale-golden reticulated
variegation. It had been imported from Japan by the exhibitors.

In the way of Orchids, a first-class certificate was awarded to Mr B.
S. Williams for a Coelogyne, supposed to be Ocellata, though in the form
shown it was new to Orchid-growers. It formed a pretty dwarf plant,
and had a raceme of pure white flowers, marked on the lip with a large
yellow blotch, which was bordered by a red line. Second-class certifi-
cates were awarded to Messrs Veitch & Sons for Cymbidium tigrinum,
a very distinct-looking plant, with long olive-tinted sepals and petals,
and a white lip marked with transverse bands of purple ; and to a
very fine variety of Oncidium nubigenum, named Ocellatum, from Mr
William Bull.

A first-class certificate was also awarded to Mr W. Bull for Ficus
Eburnea, a fine species of bold character, with large, shining, ovate, green
leaves, marked with white ribs. A very curious species of Lilium, in
some respects very like an Ornithogalum in appearance, was exhibited
by George F. Wilson, Esq., who had received it from Mons. Leichtlin
of Carlsruhe. It was named L. Thomsonianum, and had an inflor-
escence branching from the very base, about a foot and a half high,
bearing numerous narrow-petaled, pale-pinkish flowers, the leaves long,
narrow, and flaccid. This plant was the occasion of a sharp debate as
to its value, but was eventually awarded a first-class certificate.

A like award was made to Messrs Veitch & Sons for a yellow-
flowered Eastern Rhododendron, with long narrow leaves and showy
clear yellow flowers, which was supposed to be the same as one pre-
viously shown under the name of R. Brookeanum flavum, but to
which the designation of R. Lobbianum had been applied. A bold
and showy truss of flowers of R. Batemani, a Bhotan sj^ecies, with
purplish-crimson black-spotted flowers, came from James Bateman, Esq.,
Congleton. It was said to be adapted only for indoor culture, and in
this respect was not superior to others in cultivation.

From Mr Atkins, Painswick, the raiser of Cyclamen Atkinsi, came

220 THE GARDENER. [May

a Triteleia, with flowers of a deeper tint of blue than generally appears
in T. uniflora. It was, no doubt, closely allied to this species, which
is one of the most useful of the hardy spring-blooming plants.

K. D.

I^OTES ON HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS.

Adexophora is a genus closely resembling, in all superficial features,
Campanula, from which it was sej^arated on account of the glandular
cylindrical tube or disc that surrounds the base of the style. The
generic synonym Campanula is therefore common to all the species,
and under that name they are sometimes circulated in Continental lists.
They are very useful hardy herbaceous plants, but possessing very little
variety of colour, stature, and habit — blue, in lighter and darker tints,
being the colour of all. They wdll be found most useful for the shrub-
bery and mixed border, and are easily cultivated in almost any kind
of garden soil, if not wet and stagnant.

A. liliifolia is perhaps the best and most useful species in the family.
It grows to the height of about 2 feet or 2 J feet, with narrow lanceo-
late leaves and rather erect stems, terminating in panicles of pale-blue
flowers, which appear in the end of May, and last till the middle or
end of September. Native of Siberia and Dahuria.

A. suaveolens reaches the height of about 2 feet, with erect stems
and spreading terminal panicles of pale-blue flowers, ajDpearing in June
and July, often also throughout August. Native of Siberia. This
species appears to be a dwarf and more comj^act form of the A. com-
munis from the same country, but a taller and coarser plant every
way than the A. suaveolens. It is also sometimes confounded with
A. liliifolia and vice versa, from which, however, it is distinct ; and at
present in this country it is more plentiful.

Siimjjhiandra is a genus of Campanulaceae, consisting, so far as is at
present known, of only one species. It is simply a peculiar Campanula,
and was separated from that genus on the ground of the anthers adher-
ing together somewhat in the manner of the Composites. The only
species, S. pendula, syn. Campanula pendula, is a native of the Cau-
casus. It is a choice and distinct plant, growing 1 foot or 1^ foot high,
with erect stems terminating in rather spare spikes of drooping cream-
coloured flowers, large and campanulate, and appearing in June and
July. It is regarded as being difficult to keep, and by some on this
account it has been set down as a biennial, but it is not so. It is, how-
ever, very impatient of full exposure to the sun in light dry soils, and

1869.] HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 221

delights in a cool somewhat shady situation, as on the north side of
rockwork, or a bed of shrubs, where it would escape the scorching
effects of the mid-day sun ; and in such circumstances it will be
found neither troublesome nor fugitive.

Trachelmm is another genus of Campanulacese, which is very dis-
tinct in feature from any of the other genera. The only species, T.
cseruleum, which has proved hardy in this country is a native of south-
ern Italy. It grows about H foot high, with many erect stems clothed
with ovate acute dark olive-green leaves, and terminating in crowded co-
rymbs of dark azure-blue funnel-shaped flowers, lasting from June till
August. It is rather a showy plant while in flower, but the flowering
period is followed by one of considerable seediness. Its chief recom-
mendation is, that it adapts itself pretty comfortably to droughty situ-
ations, and is quite at home with a handful or two of soil on an old
wall or piece of rock.

In the natural order Ericaceae there are very few hardy herbaceous
plants. Among the Chimaphilas, Pyrolas, and Monotropas, there are
some curious and pretty things ; but in a horticultural sense they are
almost destitute of beauty, and at the most can only be recommended
here for cultivation among alpines in partially-shaded rockwork, in
sandy peat and a little loam. They should never be disturbed while
doing well. But there are certain of the shrubby genera of this order
of plants which contain sjDecies and varieties of great excellence for
the herbaceous border, the margins of shrubberies, for grouping in
the spring garden, and for decorating rockwork, as taste and circum-
stances may prescribe. Erica yields the largest number of valuable
things for these purposes. E. carnea and its varieties form, perhaps,
the most interesting and beautiful group of these hardy heaths.
They begin to bloom often so early as January, and continue flower-
ing on till May and June. They are most easily cultivated, and,
being of dwarf compact habit, they are available for the spring garden ;
and if kept in pots in the reserve ground, their value as temporary
tenants of the beds of the summer flower-garden, in circumstances
requiring these to be filled in winter, is very high indeed. E. tetralix,
and the few varieties sprung from it, are handsome, and flower from
June till August and September. E. Australis is another early bloom-
ing species. It comes on in March, and lasts till the end of May, and
often into June. E. Mediterranea begins to flower about the same time
as the last-named species, but continues for a shorter period. This is by
some considered merely a more erect and taller form of E. carnea, but
as it is a remarkably distinct form, it is quite entitled to a specific
appellation in gardens at least. The var. nana alba of this species is
a fine compact sort for rockwork or for the spring garden. E. ciuerea.

222 THE GARDENER. [May

one of tlie most common of our Scotcli heaths, is at the same time, in
some of its varieties, one of the most handsome. They flower throughout
the summer and autumn. E. vagans and its varieties, also summer-
flowering, are pretty dwarf dressy things. E. ciliaris is one of the
handsomest of hardy heaths, with large purple or pink flowers in leafy
racemes. It flowers in summer and autumn. Some of the varieties of
the common *'Z/«f/," Erica or Calluna vulgaris, are pretty, and well
worth a little attention. They are now rather numerous, and vary
much in habit, some forming neat tufts or cushions, while others are
rather loose and straggling,

Menziesia furnishes several brilliant and elegant species and varieties.
M. polifolia and its varieties, of which there are now eight or nine,
are a beautiful and showy group of summer-flowering dwarf shrubs.
The dark purple, the white, named globosa, and the nana varieties, are
the best. The latter flowers from June far into the autumn, and is
quite a gem. The charming and rare little M. cserulea is more diffi-
cult to grow and keep than the foregoing sorts, but it is well worth a
little trouble. It succeeds best in sandy peat on rockwork, in a rather
moist situation. M. empetrifolia is a most beautiful dwarf species
from North America, with rosy purple or pale-red flowers, which must
be cultivated in the same way as the last-named species.

Azalea procumbens, syn. Loiseleurla procumhens, is rather rare, but
a beautiful and attractive little evergreen shrub, with terminal clusters
of pink or rose-coloured flowers. It should have a moderately shady
place on rockwork in sandy gritty peat.

Bryanthus erectus^ syn. Menziesia ereda, with something mongrel-
like in its aspect, is a most beautiful thing, with heads or clusters of
pink flowers in the way of Kalmia glauca, from which, as one parent,
it is supposed to be derived, being regarded as a natural hybrid. It
delights in a shady moist position on rockwork.

Epigcea repens is a dwarf, trailing, evergreen shrub, rarely rising
above 9 inches high, with white— in some individuals, pink — flowers in
small clusters, very fragrant, delighting in shady places, and excellent
for introducing into woods where the native vegetation is not of a rank
character, and where the soil is peaty, or composed of decayed leaves
and sand. W. S.

CAPE HEATHS.

A HEALTHY well-grown Heath — no matter of what species or variety,
whether in flower or out of flower — is always a pleasing object, and
never fails to elicit admiration, even from those who are least susceptible

iS6g.] CAPE HEATHS. . 223

of the influence of floral beauty. In all the sorts there is a symmetry
and elegance in the habit and foliage peculiarly their own, while the
, rich yet chaste beauty of the flowers, both in form and colour, can
scarcely be surpassed, rendering them worthy of all the care and appli-
cation necessary to their full development. They form one of the
largest groups of greenhouse plants in cultivation, an immense num-
ber of species having been introduced, from first to last, from their
native habitat ; and as these are being continually augmented by the
labours of the hybridiser, ample scope is afforded for selection, and,
if done judiciously, a show of bloom may be secured during the greater
part of the year.

Notwithstanding their merits and capabilities for decoration, however,
they are by no means so universally grown as they deserve, or even as
they -svere some twenty years ago, w^hen a few specimens were con-
sidered indispensable, even in the most limited collections, and when
the Heathery was a never-failing adjunct to the large establishment.
This seems now rather the exception than the rule ; and where they
are really grown, they too often bear the marks of careless treatment, if
not utter neglect. It is no doubt quite true that in many gardens they
are still grown, and brought to a perfection such as we believe they never
reach in their native table-land itself ; and the specimens which from
time to time adorn our show-tables, reflect the highest credit upon
the exhibitors. But we claim for our favourites a larger share of atten-
tion, and a far more prominent place than they at present enjoy.

In nothing does the aphorism, that " what is worth doing is worth
doing well," apply with greater force than to the cultivation of
Heaths. In point of fact, to obtain a good specimen both skill and
attention are indispensable ; not, indeed, that the difliculties are so
great as to prevent any one with moderate attainments and the ordin-
ary appliances of a greenhouse surmounting them, or that any more
care is wanted than what must be taken to produce a creditable Zonale
Pelargonium ; but that in order to have a good specimen Heath, high
culture is absolutely necessary. In speaking of a specimen, I may
remark that I mean a handsome bushy plant, furnished with vigorous
healthful shoots full of leaves from the pot upwards, and not the
miserable starved-looking anatomies we have too often the misfortune
to see, even on exhibition-tables, with naked lank branches, the top
shoots attenuated and weakly, the leaves sickly and yellow, and the
whole plant impaled with such a tremendous array of stakes, that the
poor martyr nearly loses its identity, and the beholder is impressed
with the idea that the plant is there to exhibit the symmetrical
arrangement of the stakes, rather than the stakes being subservient to
the requirements of the plant. Stakes are doubtless indispensable, and

224 THE GARDENER. [May

in some of the varieties a goodly number is necessary ; but the less
they are seen the better for the plant, both as regards health and
appearance.

In offering a few hints on the culture of Heaths, it is necessary to
remark that, where it is at all possible, a house should be devoted to
themselves, which should be span-roofed, well lighted, most efficiently
ventilated, and so constructed that the plants can be kept near the
glass. As in nine cases out of ten, however, such accommodation can-
not be had, they should have a portion of the greenhouse allotted to
them separate from the general collection, or at least among such
hard- wooded plants as require similar treatment. The proper soil is
pure peat, with the addition of more or less sand, according to the
quality of the peat, whether naturally sandy or otherwise. The best
for the purpose is obtained from hillsides or dry moors, and from
spots where the wild Heath is found growing luxuriantly, and with-
out being associated with grass or reeds, cutting the turf or sod about
4 inches deep, choosing the winter season for the purpose, as the
worms are then below the top spit for protection from frost. The
turfs should be chopped up with the spade and thoroughly dried
before using. As a general rule, from the beginning to the middle of
May is the best season for shifting ; and in this operation it should be
borne in mind that the hard-wooded sorts, such as Massoni, Aristata,
and Tricolor, are found naturally growing in dry situations, in a soil
largely composed of the debris of coarse sandstone rocks ; while the
soft-wooded, such as Hyemalis, Colorans, and Linn^oides, are for the
most part found in damper situations, with less sand among the soil.
In potting, therefore, the hard-wooded sorts should not only have
more drainage, but a larger allowance of sand, than such as are soft-
wooded and more robust in their habits.

All the kinds delight in charcoal, and small pieces incorporated
with the soil and among the crocks will be found beneficial ; the roots
penetrate it freely, and it has the effect of absorbing any superabun-
dance of moisture.

Thorough drainage is of the utmost importance, and from li^ to 3
inches of crocks should be allowed, according to the size of the pot
and the kind of plant, placing a layer of rough fibry peat over them.

In potting, the ball should not be buried deeper than to allow a
very thin sprinkling of fresh soil over the surface, and the soil pressed
firmly round the sides. If the soil is thoroughly dry, it can scarcely
be too firm. Nothing is more fatal to Heaths than loose potting ; the
water is absorbed by the soft peat, the old ball gradually loses its
moisture, and the plant soon becomes unhealthy. An essential con-
dition to the successful culture of Cape Heaths is careful watering.

1869.] CAPE HEATHS. 225

No plant is more impatient of either excessive droiiglit or moisture.
Over-watering soon sliows its effects by the foliage getting discoloured
and dropping off, the result of the soured soil gradually rotting the
roots j while a thorough parching is almost always fatal ; and even
when the plant does survive, it is seldom that any after-treatment will
compensate for the shock it sustains. The safest will be the medium,
giving water copiously during the growing season, and that only when
it is seen to be wanted, and gradually reducing the allowance as winter
advances, at which season special care must be exercised.

Early in June they may be placed out of doors in a sheltered situa-
tion, and, where it is possible, plunged to the brims of the pots in sand
or ashes, taking care that complete provision is made against worms,
which are very troublesome, deranging the drainage and perforating
the balls, so that it is impossible to do them proper justice in
watering.

In hot summer weather, whether in the greenhouse or out of doors,
they should be syringed overhead night and morning, before and
after the sun. In autumn and winter, and even in long-continued
wet or dull weather in summer, all the sorts are liable to mildew ; and
"whenever the faintest symptom of this enemy is perceived, no time
should be lost in applying the sulphur puff, before which it will
rapidly disappear ; and even though it should not be noticed, a very
gentle dusting occasionally in the course of the winter will prevent,
which, in this case, is emphatically better than cure. Many fine
specimens are ruined by the neglect of this simple precaution ; and
mildew is so insidious, that very often its work is done before its pre-
sence is detected.

Immediately after the bloom is past they may be pruned or pinched,
so as to keep the specimens in shape. All the sorts require this to be
done regularly, and some of the soft-wooded, such as Hyemalis, are
much the better of being well cut in.

In arranging the plants in the, greenhouse, each should have suffi-
cient space to allow the light and air to penetrate all round them.
Air should be admitted freely, except in very hard frost, and no more
fire-heat should be given but what is absolutely necessary to keep the
temperature just above the freezing-point. In point of fact, most
Heaths will stand 3^ or 4° of frost without apparent injury. I am
convinced, however, that the safest course is to keep it out alto-
gether.

I append a select list of fine varieties arranged according to their
ordinary seasons of flowering : —

226

THE GARDENER.

[May

Grandinosa autumualis.
Princeps carnea.
Vernix coccinea.
Gracilis Vernalis.
Hyemalis.
Sindryana.
Colorans.

Winter and Spring.

I\Iilanthera.
Lambertiana rosea.
Wiluioreana.
Gracilis autumualis.
Regerminans.
Spencerii.

]\Iassoni major.

Parmentieriana rosea.

Vestita coccinea.

Ventricosa coccinea minor.

Ventricosa coruscans.

iEmula.

Eximea.

Victoria.

Aristata major.

Cavendishii.

Orbata umbellata.

Persoluta alba.

Vestita alba.

Aitonia Turnbullii.
Eweriana superba.
Verticillata major.
Marnockiana.
Ampullacea.
Austiniana.
Jasminiflora alba.

April to July.

Ventricosa grandiflora.

Ventricosa globosa.

Candolleana.

Farrieana.

Delecta.

Hartnelli.

Pi'ofusa.

Shannoniana.

Shannoniana Turnbullii.

Ventricosa Bothwelliana alba.

Ventricosa densa carnea.

Devoniana.

Inflata.

3. Autumn.

Cerinthoides coronata.
Macnabbiana rosea.
Mammosa pallida.
Amabilis.

Ampullacea carnea.
Jasminiflora.
Retorta major.

-—^'-i-^T^^:-^^*-^-^

The Caiilisle and Cumberland Floral and Horticultural Society will hold
a special exhibition in September, in connection with the Agricultural Show
which takes place in Carlisle.

We have received from Mr Meredith, of the Vineyard, Garston, near Liverpool,
photographs of the splendid bunches of Grapes he last autumn had the honour of
submitting to Her Majesty's inspection at Osborne. We may remark that Mr
Meredith has invented a manure of special value for Vines, and that it is offered
to the public through a Liverpool firm.

1869.] TABLE DECORATION. 227

TABLE DECORATION".

This is a subject we have never seen touched in the 'Gardener.'
There must be few gardeners who are not called on sometimes to add
this to their hst of duties. It is one of those which most effectually
test the gardener's taste, ingenuity, and expertness in handling flowers,
a sleight-of-hand which is a good deal the result of experience, but one
of those things in which practice can never take the place of natural
facility. Some men with infinite labour will send a whole bushel of
flowers, leaves, and materials hoj^s de comhat with very unsatisfactory
results, while another with a handful will produce a graceful effect
with no particular elibrt.

The mode and materials for table decoration are endless, the former
depending a good deal on the size of the table for the evening, the
style and magnitude of the room, and accessories, such as chandeliers,
the nature of the plate, and the style of the ornaments to be used for
the time. For instance, combinations of groups of plants may have
to be used, or a lighter style of arrangement with cut flowers, or both
combined. Sometimes a massive style might be most effective, in
which vases of fruit might be introduced in company with plants
bearing fruit ; in fact, the modes of arrangement which one's ingenuity
might suggest are endless.

Much has been said in praise of the light and elegant flower-stands
of Marsh for table decoration, and they are worthy of all praise in
their way ; but we cannot allow them a monopoly of style ; vary
the mode of filling them as one hkes, even they will soon become
monotonous. The choice of materials for this purpose is now almost
inexhaustible. There is no lack of variety at all seasons of the year;
almost all flowers can be worked in forming combinations ; even the
single blooms of the Hollyhock we have used with much effect in
forming chains, wreaths, and fringes ; but certain colours of flowers are
much more effective than others with candle-light. Of plants those
of a graceful habit or outline — for instance, the Pandanus and Chinese
Primula — are the most useful. Stiff plants, such as Camellias or Azaleas,
are seldom admissible. "We have sometimes had the common Pine with
ripe fruit worked into a design, but it is stiff and ungainly ; the
variegated variety, on account of its pretty stripes, is useful. Some
things have long been stereotyped as table-plants, and are made to do
duty everywhere and on all occasions — such as the various coloured
Dracaenas, Begonias, Marantas, and other things in the coloured way.
They are like the old stock scarlet Geraniums in the flower-garden,
which everybody has, and everybody must use, and which for this rea-
son have long become stale. They, however, recommend themselves as

Q

228 . THE GARDENER. [May

being showy, easily stuck in a vase and transported to tlie table; and
lo ! the table is decorated. Simple materials are, as a rule, the most
useful ; to stick a rare and expensive plant on the table, simply
because it is new and rare, is not decoration. We sometimes see, at
flower-shows, collections of hand and table bouquets for competition ;
the taste or no taste or motive of the various makers can usually be
seen at a glance. Here is one crammed with some rare Orchids and the
very newest Zonal Geraniums, and eked out with the newest arrivals
from Mexico or the Brazils : the maker evidently thought the judges
could not well get over that; but, after all, it is but a bundle of flowers.
There is another of Rose-buds, Lily of the Valley, Lilac or Deutzia, and
suchlike, but elegantly put together, and a bouquet. The judges of the
one such will, according to a golden rule in judging, give the prize to the
producer, not to the production; so it must be in the decoration of the
table. Simple materials, skilfully arranged, producing an elegant whole,
are much more likely to please the eye of taste, and through it reflect
credit on the artist, than sticking on rare or valuable plants to con-
centrate the attention on their individual selves. We believe, how-
ever, that there are but few gardeners who will not pronounce table
decoration a nuisance, especially in winter, if there be a run of it for
a month or two on end, and a change in demand every night. The
damage to plants and the waste of flowers are alone suflicient to dis-
gust one, not to speak of time absorbed and the monopoly of thought ;
but the thing must be done, and therefore anticipated, and when
extensive practice in this department, room and table decoration, is
exercised, much hospital accommodation must also be provided.

Of the materials useful for the purpose we shall mention some
things we grow in quantity, more especially for winter use. Foremost
we may mention the various and best sorts of Chinese Primula, well
grown and flowered in small pots ; their forms and colours look beauti-
ful with candle-light, and either cut or turned out of the pot, they
will arrange with anything. Plants of all sizes of Centaurea Ragusina
also work as well, and are always elegant in whatever combination
— as can only be said of white ; their outline is also graceful. Well-
fruited plants of Solanum capsicastrum of various sizes, also the tall
varieties of S. pseudo-capsicum, are most useful. Almost all sorts of
Ferns are indispensable subjects, especially Adiantums, batches of
which are easily grown of any size. In summer the fronds of the
common Shield Fern and Lady Fern are diflicult to supersede for
many purposes — as, for instance, where a fringe is wanted round the
edge of a vase or dish against the table-cloth. The common toothed
Lycopod is ever in demand, and can be grown in small pots or shallow
boxes ; or, if convenient, meadows of it can be grown in the conser-

1869.] TABLE DECORATION. 229

vatory, on the tops of Orange-tuTjs ; indeed, anywhere indoors.
Epiphyllums of all shapes and sizes are also stock plants when in
bloom, Standards, Pyramids, and Dwarfs, to adopt the language of the
Rose catalogue ; Centradenias, some of the Acacias, young Palms and
Cordylines, and various Dracaenas, reds and greens, especially the
narrow-leaved one of the latter. Bambusa variegata is very graceful
for cutting, or as small plants, and easily grown. Creeping or trailing
plants are indispensable for table decoration, for hanging round vases,
high ornaments, trailing among branches of epergnes or chandeliers, or
twining up the slender glass stems of the Marsh stands. Of these
there are various Passifloras, especially the common one, Tacsonias,
Lygodium scandens, the variegated Japanese Honeysuckle, the
variegated Cobea scandens, sprays of miniature Ivy, all of which
are easy of culture. Of fruit-bearing plants there are plenty of
graceful habit, such as small Orange-trees, the various Solanums.
Small plants of Ardisia crenulata, though stiff, are admissible on
account of the brilliancy of their fruits. Rivinas are also useful in
this section, and even the several varieties of Capsicum are enlisted
in the service. In this section, however, the crowning plant is neat-
grown Vines in pot trained in various ways ; but our favourite
form is the umbrella shape, on frames made for the purpose, in pairs
of equal height, the umbrella covered with foliage, and a fringe of
foliage spreading all round the edge, and some six small bunches more
or less hanging down underneath. These plants may be any size, but
small specimens from 2 to 3 feet in height in 9-inch pots are a useful
size j they may also be grown as bush or pyramids, and two or three
years in the same pots with rich top-dressings. We have known a
whole Vine cut from the rafter with the fruit hanging on it, and
erected for the occasion down the middle of the table ; but this is a
piece of extravagance not to be attempted except by desire on a very
special occasion. We have also known an old unpruned Vine reserved
for this purpose, the foliage and fruit tied on when Avanted ; but this
is a clumsy alternative which we do not recommend, having never
tried the plan ; indeed, all deception, in Avhatever shape, is reprehen-
sible. In the way of fruit for decoration, the old Queen Anne's
Pocket Melon is very pretty. Many more things yet occur to our
mind, and we might easily go over a fresh list, but those mentioned
are simple, and within the reach of most people.

We would proceed to give some directions as to the mode of
arrangement, which, however, is not such an easy matter, but shall
endeavour in another paper to make a few general remarks about
details. The shape and size of the table for the evening must be
ascertained from our coadjutor, the butler ; also the number and

230 THE GARDENER. [May

position of tlie articles of ornament, in plate or otherwise ; also
chandeliers, if not suspended; the number of the dishes of dessert must
also be ascertained through our other friend and auxiliary, the house-
keeper, and also their position. These primary points decided, we
proceed to reconnoitre the position and form a plan in the mind's eye ;
the rest is detail and easy — that is, if the sleight-of-hand mentioned
above is in command, without which we will not guarantee an elegant
result. The Squire's Gardener.

THE QUINCE STOCK.

More things than Pears are worked upon the Quince stock in these
days. Precociousness is a feature which is nut confined either to
gardening or the vegetable kingdom. Ptapidity of action is the char-
acteristic of the present age.- The world has been going on slow,
but is now getting up steam, and concentrating its energies for the
grand and final effort. The forces of creation seem as if they were
converging to a focus, and rush on with accelerating speed, as if dragged
forward by some gravitating influence that exerts an ever-increasing
power. Every year the pace quickens. The momentum is communi-
cated to everything, and pervades all branches of industry. Even the
children seem to grow up sooner nowadays, and have a Quince-stock
maturity about them, talk sense, and imitate their grandmothers be-
fore their teeth are well cut. Good old-world notions and customs
are disappearing at an alarming rate, leaving in many cases but tem-
porary substitutes behind them. Now and then, in some quiet Eng-
lish hamlet or rustic Scottish clachan, where picnics love to rendez-
vous and indulge the hereditary instincts of human nature, we light
upon that old-world leisureliness and stability of purpose which char-
acterised our progenitors before the age of railways and electric tele-
graphs. But even around these isolated spots the circle is gradually
narrowing ; and before their present inhabitants have gone to rest

" Where the rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep,"

the tide of progress will have swept over them, and borne away upon
its rapid current the last vestiges of a former age.

To no profession or industry are these remarks more applicable than to
gardening. The concentration of thought and action which has been
brought to bear upon all questions relating to horticulture is now visible
in the almost complete mastery which the gardener exercises over every
kind of fruit and vegetable that comes under his care. Perhaps the most

1869.] THE QUINCE STOCK. 231

noticeable progress we have made has been in the culture of fruit. In
this department we have certainly divested ourselves of many cumbrous
notions, and dispensed with even more cumbrous appliances. Ends
are accomplished nowadays with a rapidity that would have astonished
our ancestors. Many, with an interest in futurity — which is becoming
strange amongst us — planted trees, and were content if they saw the
first-fruits thereof, leaving them as a legacy to their descendants. And
let us admit, that but for their foresight in this respect many a fruit-
room in these days would show but a scant supply. Now, however, he
who plants expects to reap. Gardens and orchards spring up con-
temporaneously with bricks and mortar; and when the wealthy retired
man of business takes possession of his new mansion, he expects to
find his garden furnished with trees bearing fruit after their
kind, and the entire horticultural department in an already
matured condition, and prepared to contribute to his comfort as
regularly as his kitchen or dairy. This is all very gratifying,
no doubt, and speaks for itself, and may be called gardening on
the Donein and Quince principle; but however adapted to meet
special ends, it lacks the elements of durability, and should not
be pushed beyond its special province. We have a partiality for the
old, luxuriantly-laden orchard, the feature of many a homestead,
and chief source of supply in many an establishment. I always
find that where there is a reserve of this kind the fruit-room is better
filled. Quantity is always as important a consideration in a garden as
quality, and it is comforting to have a supply to fall back upon after
the limited produce of the orchard-house is exhausted. Miniature
fruit-gardens and orchard-houses are undeniable realities, however, and
commendable institutions ; but, compared to the fail-me-never ances-
torial trees in the cottager's garden, they are what the thumb -pot
Oaks of the Chinese are to their English congeners for the purposes of
shipbuilding.

These remarks have been suggested by reading the very able and
exhaustive papers of Mr M 'Millan on the ' Cultivation of Hardy Fruits, '
though they are not intended to apply to him. I see, however, that, like
many others, he is impressed in favour of the Quince stock — whether
from practical experience or not, he does not say ; and if I understand
him aright, he would only be guided by considerations of soil and
climate in adopting it generally, in preference to the Pear, for standards
or pyramids. I feel quite sure Mr M'Millan will excuse me for men-
tioning his name in connection with the subject, while a friendly dis-
cussion on the merits of the Quince will do no harm, I hope. We are
experimenting on a limited scale with the Apple on the French Para-
dise stock, and may have something to say about it some other time ;

232 THE GARDENER. [May

but we have not tried tlie Quince for tlie Pear, nor — altliough we do
not pretend to decide conclusively in the matter — would we like to
plant extensively on it for general purposes under any circumstances,
except in the orchard-house. I have seen it tried at different times
and places, but in no case has the result ever been such as would en-
courage any one to use it in preference to the Pear, considering what can
be accomplished with the latter under j udicious cultivation. Some varie-
ties will succeed on the Quince for a while ; but it is an acknowledged
fact, that others will refuse to live on it, and that in a general way
they are shortlived. The trees are also sniall, and the fruit limited
in quantity, disadvantages which the slight superiority which it
possesses in flavour does not compensate. It is true that Mr Robert
Thompson speaks of trees which have flourished on the Quince stock
for forty years — but this seems to have been an exceptional case, for
he is cautious in recommending it, unless for special situations — while
Dr Lindley discusses the subject only in a purely theoretical way.
When in the west of Scotland, about two years ago, I called upon a
gardener who had been led to plant a number of Pears worked on the
Quince some years before, in the sanguine anticipation of being able
to counteract the disadvantages of a dropping climate ; but the experi-
ment had resulted in disappointment. Although the trees had the
advantage of a ^all and had every attention, they were not in a
flourishing condition. Some of them seemed as if they were not long
for this world ; and even the healthiest looked as if getting to the top
of the wall was a feat never contemplated in their ambition. There
has, I think, been ample time to test the merits of the Quince stock ;
but I question if any favourable examples of its adaptability for general
purposes could be found. Mr Powel of Frogmore, whose practical ex-
perience in fruit-tree culture entitles him to speak on the subject, says :
" As far as my experience goes in this matter, I think the Pear worked
on the Quince only fit for a very small garden, or for orchard-houses ;
and it is evident only particular kinds will grow on the Quince
for any length of time : others will scarcely exist, are unfit to bear fruit
either in quantity or quality, and perish in the end. And if a uniform
growth, fine fruit, and long-lived trees be sought for, it is better to use
the Pear stock ; and by judicious root-pruning, miniature trees in a
productive state may be obtained equally as well as on the Quince
stock ; and for general purposes the Pear is to be preferred." Seeing,
therefore, that the advantages of the Quince are, to say the least,
doubtful, and considering that equally satisfactory and more lasting
results can be obtained by using the Pear, and the mortification of see-
ing your trees drop off one by one, just when they are "come of age,"
avoided, would it be advisable to recommend it 1

1869.] THE QUINCE STOCK. 233

Most assuredly tlie roots of the Pear stock will penetrate deeply
into the subsoil if allowed, as we have had experience, and results will
be canker, cracking, and other evils ; but this is simply a question of
attention and labour, without which, it is admitted, we cannot succeed
with the Quince. It is surprising how, by pinching and regular root-
pruning, trees on the Pear stock can be dwarfed. In the end a kind
of balance between the roots and branches is obtained, and there is
little difficulty afterwards in keeping them in that condition, while a
skilful use of the pruning-knife is all that is required to keep the trees
in form.

Some years ago we found a lot of young pyramid Pear-trees here,
about ten or a dozen years of age, that had run riot with their roots
in the deep loamy subsoil beneath, and were making growths every
year from 3 to 5 feet in length. One-half of them we root-pruned on
one side only ; the others we did all round, chopping the long, bare,
fibrous roots through about 4 feet from the stem, and cutting a tongue
on them with the knife about every 9 inches. Those which had been
half done showed very little appearance of having been meddled with
the following season, saving a slight decrease in the vigour of the
shoots on the side which had been root-pruned. The others of course
sustained a severe check, and made nothing but leaves the following
summer. Since then they have been once or twice root-pruned, or
lifted altogether in making some rearrangements among the trees ;
and most of them have borne excellent fruit every year. Some
varieties do not finish as well as could be desired, but the situation is
high and cold, and unfavourable to Pears generally as standards.

By these means, and mulching with manure as much as we can
afford, we keep the roots within a few inches of the surface ; and when
lifted, they are a mass of fibres, and more like the roots of a Box-tree
than anything else. In this condition the trees are easily moved. Four
men can lift a dozen of them in a short day with very little injury to
the roots ; and we have had excellent fruit off trees that had been
transplanted the preceding winter. The trees in question are now
covered with a perfect spray of flower-buds, which look, in their half-
expanded condition, like a swarm of bees on the branches. We con-
trive, if possible, to lift about a third of the trees every autumn, and
in this way we are always sure of a crop on some of them.

J. Simpson.

234 THE GARDENER. [May

GESNERA CULTURE.

If there is any one branch of his business that the gardener ought to
pay more attention to than another, I think it should be the decor-
ation of the various structures under his care during the dreary and
dull months of gloomy winter ; for this purpose, to those who have a
store, I know nothing better adapted than the Gesnera. With the
beautiful qualities of a foliage plant, it possesses also deservedly
the character of a free bloomer. There is thus a twofold reason
why it claims our attention ; and well-grown plants, either large or
small, will abundantly repay any attention they require at our hands
to make them so. One of ray late worthy employers, who, by the way,
was passionately in love with especially such flowers as had real
worth to recommend them, who was also a good bit of an artist,
declared, after viewing it from all its view-points, admiring and
readmiring its charms, " that Gesnera refulgens is the handsomest
thing I ever saw."

I do not by any means suppose that in my mode of culture there

is anything particular or peculiar, but as I am under the impression

that a good many young gardeners maybe at a loss as to how they are

to treat those things they may have this year for the first time under

their care, it is for their benefit that I now pen my own mode

of treatment. After the plants have done blooming, say in February,

they will indicate a desire to go to rest, and no time should be

lost in allowing them to do so, consistently with their being thoroughly

ripened, which is a most material matter for the wellbeing of the plants

during the following season, as half -ripened roots can never start again

with the same vigour as thoroughly ripened ones do ; and on the start

they make much depends. Water must now be very sparingly given,

at the same time not withholding it altogether at once, but giving it

at long and then at longer intervals, until their tops are quite dead,

when they may be cut down, and the pots turned over on their sides in

a warm dry corner of the stove, where no water at all can by any

accident reach them. There it is necessary they should remain to

rest for at least a month or six weeks, or even longer, if they are not

wanted very early for next year. There are some gardeners who, when

their plants have done blooming, at once cut them over, and perhaps

throw in below the stage or some other such place. Such treatment is

far wrong, as the tubers are not ripe when their tops are done blooming,

and therefore they ought to be carefully and ijrudently treated until they

are perfectly ripe. I generally like to have an early and a late lot, and

therefore start them at different periods, five or six weeks intervening.

From the middle to the end of March I consider a good time for

1869.] GESNERA CULTURE. 235

starting the first lot, and for this I of course take those that have first
gone to rest. Having prepared a suitable compost — that is, one part
good turfy loam from the top spit of an old pasture, one-third leaf soil,
one-third well-rotted cow-dung, and one-third rough peat, this latter to
keep the whole nice and open, so that abundance of water can be
given without souring the soil in any way— the next object is to get
suitable pots, clean both outside and inside, and well crocked, to
insure a free passage for the water. This, especially in the case of
Gesneras, is a most essential matter, as they are very impatient of
stagnant water or sour soil. The size of the pots must be entirely
regulated and determined by the kind of specimens wanted ; mine
generally range from 4 to 10 inch pots, in which latter I have had
specimens ranging from 2 to 3 feet through, which I found large
enough when thickly studded with blooms, as I always get them under
the above treatment. The pots being, as I have already directed,
well crocked, are now filled with the said soil to about 2| inches of
the brim, the roughest of the compost placed in the bottom of the
pots. The pots containing the tubers are now brought to the potting
bench, the dried ball taken out, carefully broken down, and every
tuber cautiously removed. The greatest care must be taken not to
injure the tubers in the operation, as they are extremely brittle and
liable to injury. The tubers are then placed in the soil from 2 to 3
inches apart, the strongest in the centre : and in the case of the small
pots one tuber will be found quite sufficient. The pots are then filled
up with the compost to within 1 inch of the brim (thus leaving room
for water), gently pressed, and plunged in a bottom-heat of about
85°, in which quarter they remain until about 4 high, when they
are removed to a warm, dry, and light part of the stove near the
glass. Until they are well sprung, and the pots getting filled with
roots, the greatest care must be taken not to over-water ; but after-
wards, when they are growing well, water may with advantage
be freely given, liquid manure added at least once a-week, and
for this I prefer distilled sheep - dung, with the addition of a
little guano. They must not even for once suffer through drought,
as they never quite recover the check ; and I have known it to be the
cause of premature ripeness, going to rest without blooming at all.
Each shoot must have a neat stake, to which it is periodically tied out
as they grow. Their leaves are also easily injured by a rude touch,
and so must be scrupulously guarded, as any injury done to the foliage
of a plant materially affects not only its looks but also its vigour, thus
injuring it in a twofold manner. They are thus treated until they
begin to bloom, which, with the earlier ones, will likely be the end
of October or early in November, when they must be transferred to

230 THE GARDENER. [May

their blooming quarters, there during the dull dreary winter months
to be a source of pleasure and gratification to him who has had the
pleasing toil of growing them, and a source of admiration to all
comers and goers. Where bottom-heat is limited in extent, they could
profitably be thickly put into a seed-pan plunged in bottom-heat, and
after they are sprung potted off as described above. Neither need
those who have no bottom -heat despair, as they will come well on
without it, but are vastly the better of it, as it insures a quick and
much more vigorous start. J. F.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S SECOND
SPRING SHOW.

This exhibition w^as held on the ITtli of April, but was a very small
affair ; and, though held in the Conservatory, fully one-half of the
plants w^ere contributed in the form of miscellaneous collections.
Azaleas were the chief feature of the show, and though it was the
time w^hen Azaleas would be plentiful enough, there was not a single
group contributed in the class for nine varieties. With six varieties
(amateurs), Mr George Wheeler, gardener to Sir F. H. Goldsmid,
Bart., M.P., Regent's Park, w^as first, with by no means good speci-
mens of Criterion, Holfordii, Etoile de Flandres, Prince of Wales,
Glory of Sunninghill, and Stella, the last being finely bloomed.
Second, Mr A. Wilkie, Addison Road, Kensington, with Burlingtonia,
Petuniseflora, Fielderi, Marie Vervsene, Perfection, and Admiration.
Mr George Fairbairn, the Gardens, Lion House, Isleworth, was third.
In the nurseryman's class for six kinds, Mr C. Turner, Slough, was
first with six half-standard plants, on stems about 2 feet in height,
having almost circular heads of flowers so densely produced as to give
the plants the appearance of floral mops. In the case of one or tAvo,
a few sprigs of foliage had managed to get to the fore, and gave a little
relief to the somewhat formal heads of flower. The plants were said
to have been imported from Belgium, and consisted of the following
kinds : — Baronne de Pret, Rosea odorata. Souvenir de TExposition,
Due de Nassau, Etendard de Flandre, and a pale rosy purple flower
with a name incapable of transcription or pronunciation by an
ordinary mortal. Messrs Dobson & Son, Isleworth, were second with
some sorry plants, exception being made in the case of a well-flowered
Stella, with a single specimen Azalea. Mr Wilkie was first with Sir
Charles Napier, and Mr C. Turner second with Marie Yervsene, also
a standard plant.

It was too early for Herbaceous Calceolarias, though Mr James of

1869.] CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 237

Isleworth sent half-a-dozen small plants of his fine strain, under name.
Mr Wiggins was first with some very good plants of Cyclamen Persi-
cum, having varicoloured and large heads of bloom, hut getting past
their best. Mr James was second, and Mr George Fairbairn third.
It was noticeable that all the Cyclamens came from Isleworth, Avhich
place is just now the home of the fine kinds of recent introduction.
Some Cinerarias were produced, the plants being of medium size and
w^ell bloomed. ^lessrs Dobson & Son were first with Conqueror, Lord
Elgin, Snowflake, Perfection, Candidate, and Lady Eeodora Grosvenor.
The flowers were small, but the foregoing constituted a very good
assortment. IMr James Avas second, having Agrippa and Uncle Toby,
and some of the foregoing.

The display of show Auriculas was by no means extensive or good.
Mr Turner was first with a collection of nine kinds, consisting of
Lovely Ann, Trafalgar, and General Neill, green edged ; Colonel
Champneys (Turner), Bright Phoebus, Competitor, Sophia, and L^nion,
grey edged ; and Countess of Dunmore, white edged. 'No second
prize was awarded, but Mr James was placed third with some poor
plants. In the class for nine Auriculas, selfs and fancies, Mr Turner
w^as again first with Midnight, Prince Alfred, Eliza, and Metropolitan,
self flowers, and the following fancy or Alpine kinds : Jessie, George,
Lightbody, Tenniel, Millais, and ISTeatness; all representing the im-
provement Mr Turner has made within the last few years in this
fine class of flowers, that in point of attractiveness completely dis-
tance the shoAV kinds. Mr James was second with the following
self flowers : Mr Sturrock, Meteor Flag, Royal Purple, Mrs Smitli,
and jS'egro ; and the following Alpines, Conspicua, Dazzle, Mabel,
and Landseer.

Mr Thomas Ware, of Tottenham, contributed a select and very
interesting collection of spring-flowering plants, among them a basket
of Trillium grandiflorum, with its large and showy snow-white
blossoms.

HOYAL CALEDONIAJSr HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The annual spring exhibition of the above Society took place in the Music Hall,
George Street, Edinburgh, on the 31st March. The morning of the day was
frosty, and though a number of plants suffered injury on their way to the exhi-
bition from this cause, the show was one of the best the Society ever had, both
as regards the subjects exhibited and the attendance of visitors. Rhododendrons
were exhibited in greater numbers and in far finer condition than we ever saw
them in Scotland before. Forced Roses were also far above the average of pre-
vious years. Azaleas were well bloomed, but their training was far too formal ;

238 THE GARDENER. [May

they were like cones that had been turned in a lathe, and there was an excess of
bloom, and too little foliage visible. The platform and orchestra were gorgeously
filled by the splendid collections of Rhododendrons and Palms sent by Messrs
Lawson, Mr Methven, and Dickson & Co. The Hyacinths we have seen more
numerous, but never better. The collection of eighteen which took the first prize
were especially excellent ; these were exhibited by Mr Cowe, gardener, Luffnesp.

Forced Geraniums were fine for the season of the year. Fruit was represented
by good Lady Downes Grapes from Balbirnie, splendid Pines from the Glen,
and good examples of the same from Fordel, and Strawberries from Dalkeith.
The vegetables in the winning stand were Asparagus, French Beans, Mush-
rooms, early Potatoes, Seakale, Pihubarb, Broccoli, and Brussels Sprouts.

The Edinburgh nurserymen, as usual, filled the side tables with collections of
showy plants ; Dickson & Sons sent Khododendrons, forced Roses, Hyacinths,
and foliage plants ; Methven filled a table along the east side of the hall with sim-
ilar plants, amongst which we noticed a very beautiful Hybrid Azalea named
Hybrida. It is white, and resembles a Ghent Azalea, but has a much finer truss
and larger blooms, the colour white. This will prove a very useful spring forcing
plant.

Messrs Lawson sent a fine collection of Rhododendrons and foliage plants;
Downie, Laird, and Laing a very interesting collection, amongst which we noticed
the new Golden Coleus, and all the best varieties of the Tricolor Geraniums.

Drummond Brothers filled a table with showy spring flowers, amongst which
were pots of exceedingly well-grown Lily of the Valley. Amongst cut bloouiS
we must not omit to mention a collection of very fine Rhododendron-blooms from
Dysart House, amongst which Mr Pirrie sent Broughtoniana, Jean Stern- — this
latter the finest truss of a Rhododendron we ever saw, the individual blooms of
enormous size, white spotted, with dark spots in the throat — Prince Camile
de Rohan, Alterclereuse, Cuuningharai, and Elegans. Mr Pirrie also showed a
number of trusses of a very showy pink seedling Rhododendron.

The Silver Cup given by Mr Mitchell, nurseryman, Hanover Street, for Azaleas,
was won by Mr Marshall, gardener, Kingston Grange, with well-managed plants of
Lilium Flora, Empress Eugenie, Criterion, and Stanleyanum. Mr Gordon of
Niddrie showed larger plants eq\ially well bloomed for this prize, but Mr Mar-
shall's blooms were larger and the foliage better. Mr Gordon was, however, a
good second.

The weak point of the Exhibition was a want of foliage plants and tree-ferns
to take off the stiff appearance the over-trained and trimmed Azaleas and other
formal plants gave the stages. There were many other subjects that deserve
special notice, but the pressure on our space forbids it, and we must refer to the
list of prizes for details.

The judges on the occasion were Messrs Thomson of Drumlanrig, Anderson of
Oxenford, Lees'of Tyninghame ; Henderson, .Cowden Castle ; Gorrie, Raith ; and
Mackay of the Glen.

There was a dinner in the Albert Hotel at 3 o'clock. Professor Balfour in the
chair, and Mr Keynes of Salisbury croupier. The following is the list of prizes
awarded : —

Two Cape Heaths — John Currie, Sal-
isbury Green.

Three Cinerarias — D. Marshall, King-
ston Grange.

Four Greenhouse Plants — 1. D. Mar-
shall ; 2. R. Colville, Carlton Lodge.

Four foliage plants — R. Colville.

Six Camellia Blooms — 1. A, Robert-
son, Rockville ; 2. R. Robertson, Sea
Cot House, Leith.

Twelve Camellia Blooms (nursery-
men)— J. Dickson & Sons.

1869.] CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 239

Six Rhododendron Trusses — 1. Mr
Pirrie, Dysart ; 2. Messrs Dickson &
Co.

Hand Bouquet (nurserymen) — Mr
Methven.

Hand Bouquet (gardeners) — 1. Jas.
Gordon, Niddrie; 2, R. Robertson.

Table Bouquet— 1. T. Methven; 2.
J. Jones, Bangholm Bower.

Three Pots Violets — 1. D. Kerr,
Glencorse ; 2. D. Marshall, Kingston
Grange.

Two Pots Mignonette — J, Joss, Morn-
ingside.

Four Pots Lily of the Valley — 1. A.
Anderson, Oxen ford ; 2. Jas. Gordon,
Niddrie.

Three forced Roses — James Gordon.

Two Single Chinese Primulas — James
Gordon.

Two early forcing Geraniums — 1 and
2. John Jones.

One Pine - Apple — 1. Mr Mackay,
Glen ; 2. Mr Foulis, Fordell.

Thirty Strawberries — W. Thomson,
Dalkeith.

Two Bunches Grapes — 1 and 2. W.
Temple, Balbirnie.

Twelve Apples — 1. T. Lees, Tyn-
ninghame ; 2, Mr Anderson, Oxenford.

Twelve Pears — 1. Mr Anderson; 2.
Mr Temple.

Twelve stalks Rhubarb — 1. John
Fraser, Belmont; 2. Mr M'Lean, In-
verkeitbing.

Six Heads Seakale — 1. James Gillon,
Ormiston ; 2. J. Fraser.

Three Broccoli — 1. Mr Thomson,
Dalkeith; 2. J. Gordon.

Six Leeks — 1. J. Jones ; 2. Thomas
Fairley, Henderson Row.

One Pint Mushrooms — 1. Mr Thom-
son, Dalkeith ; 2. Mr Anderson.

Four Indian Azaleas (Special Prize) —
1. D. Marshall, Kingston Grange ; 2.
James Gordon ; 3. John Cowe, Luff-
ness.

Eighteen Hyacinths (Nui'serymen) —
1. Messrs Dickson & Sons.

Eighteen Hyacinths (Gardeners) — 1.

Mr Cowe ; 2. Mr Currie ; 3. Mr Cowe.

Twelve Hyacinths — L Mr Young ;

2. Mr Paul, Gilmore Place.

Nine Hyacinths — 1. William Laird,
Kinnellan ; 2. A, Glen, Rosehall ; 3.
A. Dougall, Beeslack.

Six Hyacinths — John Fraser, Bel-
mont ; 2. R. Colville, Carlton Lodge

3. R. Robertson, Seacot.

Six Hyacinths (Amateurs) — W.
Young ; 2. Mr Paul ; 3. Mr Campbell,
Castle Street.

Six Hyacinths (Glasses — Ladies) —
Miss Inglis, 14 Hill Street.

One Single Hyacinth — Mr Currie.

One Double Hyacinth — Mr Cowe.

Two Camellia Plants (Gardeners) — Mr
Glen.

Six Ferns — 1. Mr Currie; 2. Mr
Colville.

Six Ferns (Nurserymen) — Messrs
Downie, Laird, & Laing.

Four Pots Polyanthus Narcissus — 1.
Mr Currie ; 2. Mr Jones.

Six Pots Tulips— 1. Mr Marshall ; 2.
Mr Paul, Gilmore Place.

Six Rhododendrons — L Mr Methven;
2. Dickson & Co. ; 3. Mr Anderson.

Dark and Light Rhododendrons — Mr
Laird.

Standard Azalea — 1. Mr Currie; 2.
Mr Gordon, Niddrie.

Two Azalea Indica — 1. Mr Cowe ; 2.
Mr Marshall.

Three Azalea Indica — 1. Mr Gordon
2. Mr Marshall.

Two eight-inch Azalea Indica — 1. Mr
Jones ; 2. Mr Cowe.

Two Deutzia gracilis — 1. Mr Gordon ;
2. Mr Marshall ; 3. Mr Anderson.

Extra award for six Greenhouse and
Stove Plants — Mr Currie.

Do. — Mr Henderson, Duncliffe.

Mr Marshall, Kingston Grange, was
awarded the Silver Cup for the best
four Indian Azaleas.

Best Basket Vegetables— l.W. Thorn-
son; 2. M, Temple.

240 THE GARDENER. [May

GLASGOW AND WEQT OF SCOTLAND HORTICUL-
TURAL SOCIETY.

The spring show of this Society took place last week in the City Hall. The
weather was propitious, and the exhibition was made up of some very choice
materials, Dutch bulbs forming the staple. Never before in Glasgow were
there so many good Hyaciutha shown; indeed, it is a matter of wonder, ex-
pressed even by the Dutch growers, how well the flowering properties of these
bulbs are brought out by the gardeners of this country. In the open and
nurserymen's classes Mr P. M'Kenzie can-ied off the palm with some very
fine specimens; and from his collections were selected the first and second
best Hyacinths in the exhibition. In the gardeners' classes there was much
more excitement and considerably more rivalry, in some cases not fewer than
twelve di£Perent lots competed for the awards. It is due to Mr N. Glass,
gardener to Mr Bolton of Carbrook, Mr J. Sutlierland, gardener to Mr Denny,
Dumbarton, and Mr Mackay, gardener to Mr Reid, Rutherglen, to say that
their respective lots were well gi-own, well selected, and well staged. "When
we come to individualise, we find the old sorts that took position ten years ago
Btill prominent, beating many of the higher-priced rivals of modern introduction.
There is nothing finer in whites than Alba maxima and Mont Blanc, unless it be
Snowball, which lacks in strength of spike what it gains in substance and size of
flower. Among deep redy. Koh-i-noor, Lord Macaulay, and Von Schiller stand
out boldly among their fellows ; and in the various shades of blue we have Maria,
Charles Dickens, and Grand Lilas — all flowers that one sees in every winning
stand, and such as ought to recommend themselves to all interested in the culture
of Hyacinths. Curiously enough, the double-flowered sorts which the florist is
anxious to encourage, and the botanist to discourage, cannot at all approach in
point of excellence their single rivals, unless it be a blush called Duke of Welling-
ton, and a blue one, looking like a Delphinium, called Garrick. Of the amateur
class, which labours under difiiculties, and even in the midst of city smoke
triumphs in the cultivation of bulbs, Messrs Robertson, J. H. Sharpe, and
Wilkie, all from the Hutchesontown district of the city, not only took prizes, but
earned them meritoriously. The Tulips were quite marked plants, while the
Narcissi and Croci were an exhibition of themselves. The king of the bulb race
is the Brazilian Amaryllis, the tall scapes and large and prominent flowers of
which invest these bulbs with no small importance. It was here but sparsely
shown, the best lots coming from Messrs Fleming and Sutherland.

Among the miscellaneous hard-wooded plants, the Azaleas claimed paramount
attention ; but their great pyramids of colour would have been relieved by the
arching fronds of Tree Ferns, or some of the choicer foliage plants that have
beauty of foliation and outline to recommend them. The collections from Mr
Boyd, gardener to Mr Finlay of Easterhill, and Mr R. Caskie, gardener to Mr
A. Graham, Thornvvood, were closely matched. Heaths, Epacris, and some of
the choicer Orchids, were only indifferently contested for, the best plant of a purely
bridal Orchid (Coelog^'ue cristata) being furnished by Mr Jas. Forbes, Beachwood.
New Holland plants came very well handled, the Chorozemas, with their wreaths
of showy orange and scarlet leguminous flowers, deservedly attracting notice, as
did the catkin-like inflorescence of the various Acacias, wliich were numerous and
well grown. Not the least decorative plant of easy culture, which any citizen
with a greenhouse, however small, could manage, was the Deutzia gracillis. The
flowers of this plant are sometimes mistaken for Orange blossoms, and they come

1869.] HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION. 241

forth in such quantities as to delight all who tend them. Gardeners, however,
ai'e evidently erring in training the plants into shapes far too formal; even the first-
prize lots had this fault. It was pleasing to turn from these to the Dielytras,
which bear well the pressure of artificial heat, and remunerate the grower with a
large crop of depending flower-stems. Camellia blooms and Camellia plants are
always desirable to look at, and although there were not quantities of them, the
flowers were conspicuous and good, particularly the cut blooms from Mr James
Dalglish, gardener to Mr J. Alston, of Muirburn. The Rhododendrons and
Roses were general favourites, but there was not a large exhibition of either of
them. The best lots were good, and particularly the Gloire de Dijon Rose from
Mr David Coghill. Many very excellent hand-bouquets were shown, and formed
a most interesting feature. Some excellent Strawberries and Cucumbers came
from Mr Methven, gardener to Colonel Campbell of Blythswood. Vases in
earthenware, and representations of tree stumps in the same material, for Ferns
and suchlike plants, came from J. & R. Howie, Kilmarnock. It is due to those
in charge of the proceedings, as well as to the newly-appointed secretary, Mr F.
G. Dougall, to remark that the first exhibition of the Society's 58th season passed
off with great eclat. The Society's ofiice-bearers met the judges and a few friends
at dinner in the afternoon. — Gardeners' Chronicle.

[Note. — We failed to obtain a list of the prizes. — Ed.]

GRAND INTERNATIONAL HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION, to be held
at Hamburg from the 2d till the 12th of September next.

At the above Exhibition, prizes are offered for every conceivable article that

is in the remotest degree connected with horticulture. We give the circular of

the British Committee, any one of whom will be happy to give any information

required. The latest date for entering subjects for exhibition is the 31.st of

July.

ENGLISH COMMITTEE.

Rev. M. J. Berkeley, Chairman.

Sir Wentworth Diike, Bt., Sloane St.

Mr J. Fleming, Cliveden.

Mr J. Gibson, Battersea Park.

Mr A. Henderson, Wellington Road.

Dr R. Hogg, St George's Road.

Mr C. Lee, Hammersmith.

Mr T. Moore, Chelsea.

Mr T. Osborn, Fulham.

S. Rucker, Esq., Wandsworth.

Mr J. Smith, Kew.

Mr George Eyles (Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens,
South Kensington,) Secretary.

The gentlemen above named having been appointed to form a Committee for
Great Britain in connection with the Exhibition to be opened in Hamburg on the
2d day of September next, and being desirous of having this country well repre-
sented, invite your particular attention to the enclosed Schedule, and request
your hearty co-opei'ation as an Exhibitor.

The Committee hope to make arrangements for forwarding to Hamburg pack-

Mr Tyler, Leadeuhall Street.

Mr H. J. Veitch, Chelsea.

R. Warner, Esq., Chelmsford.

For Scotland,
Mr J. M'Nab, Edinburgh.
Mr W. Thomson, Dalkeith.

For Ireland.
Dr Moore, Glasnevin.

242 THE GARDENER. [May 1869.

ages of fruit intended for exhibition, and the Hamburg Committee is making
arrangements with the steamboat and railway companies for the conveyance of
heavy articles.

Hamburg being an important German town, and easily reached by steamboat
from England, the Committee hope you may consider this Exhibition worthy of
your notice.

*/ Steamers leave London, Hall, and Leith direct for Ilanihurg.

W. H. C. B. — There is much truth in your paper, but we do not think its
publication would do any good ; and seeing you merely give your initials, you
should not criticise others because they conceal their names.

The pages of this magazine at least are open to gardeners of all classes, subject
to editorial discrimination as to their papers being such as are likely to serve the
interests for which it is conducted, and you must see that this is absolutely neces-
sary. You are too severe on those you criticise. We shall be glad to hear from
you on some other subject.

Can any of our readers inform a correspondent through the pages of the * Gar-
dener' where he can procure Colochortus venustus and other species?

W. E., Liverpool. — The thrip is a difficult insect to destroy. Fumigate your
vines three nights in succession, and throw a little Cayenne pepper or a few capsi-
cums amongst the tobacco when burning. On the fourth evening syringe the
foliage of the vines well with clear tepid water. Had you Azaleas, Myrtles or some
such plants that breed thrip, under your vines ?

R., Aberdeen. — The object in placing a little dry moss over the crocks at the
bottom of pots is to keep the soil out of them, and by that means secure more
perfect drainage. Thanks for the seeds. We do not know them, but will
endeavour to germinate them. You should sow yours in a pot, and place it in
a dung-frame : this will cause the seeds to vegetate, if anything will.

We have just received'.the balance-sheet of the "United Horticultural Benefit
and Provident Society," and we are very much pleased to observe that there is a
balance in the hands of the treasurer of £507, 14s. 6d. Any one desirous of
procuring the rules of this society can do so through Mr Glendinning of the
Chiswick Nursery, who is the treasurer ; or of Mr Wm. Heale, 60 Margaret
Street, Wilmington Square, W.C.

THE

GARDENER.

JUNE 1869.

— -a-^.S'^^^-e-K —

THE ROSE.

CHAPTER XI. GARDEN ROSES.

{Continued from page 202.)

COMMENCED my selection of garden Roses — that is, of
Roses -which are beautiful upon the tree, but not the most
suitable for exhibition — with the Provence and the Moss,
because these were the Roses which I loved the first. They
had but few contemijoraries alike precious to our eyes and noses in
the garden of my childhood ; — the York and Lancaster, the Alba, the
Damask, the Sweet Brier, the old Monthly ; and these also shall
suggest, if you please, our route through the land of Roses.

First, then, with reference to the York and Lancaster — thus called
because it bears in impartial stripes the colours, red and white, of those
royal rivals who fought the Wars of the Roses — although I cannot
commend its flimsy flowers, as gaudily and as scantily draped as the
queen of a ballet or burlesque, I must claim a place in the rosary for
a few variegated Roses very superior to their prototype. QEillet Par-
fait is so truly named that a skilful florist, seeing a cut bloom of it
for the first time, would only be convinced by a close inspection that
it was not a Carnation but a Rose. With a clear and constant variega-
tion of white and crimson stripes, it is marvellously like some beautiful
Bizarre ; and Perle des Paiiachees, white and rose, is almost as efi'ective
as another gay deceiver. QEillet Flammande and Tricolor de Flandres,
though not so striking and distinct — their triple colours, white, lilac,
and red, being somewhat dingy and confused — are always curious, and
sometimes pleasing. These variegated Roses are easily cultivated,

R

244 THE GARDENER. [June

growing freely on tlie Brier with liberal treatment and moderate prun-
ing. They are affiliated in the catalogues to the family of Gallicas.
But what are Gallicas 1

"Gallica," responds the intelligent schoolboy, "is a Latin adjective,
feminine gender, and signifying French." But can the intelligent
schoolboy, or the still more intelligent adult, inform us why the Latin
for French should be applied to this particular section only of the
multitudinous Roses sent to us from France? "They who send," it
may be answered, " make a special claim, for they call them ' Rosiers
de Provins,' and Provins surely is in France, department Seine-et-
Marne." Yes ! but with every grateful recognition of the debt which
we owe to French rosarians, it is well known that in this instance
the claim cannot be proved. The birthplace of the Rose called Gallica
is unknown, disputed, like the birthplace of Homer. "It is from
Asia," says one ; " it is the Rose of Miletus, mentioned by Pliny."
"It was first found," writes a second, "upon Italian soil." "It came
from Holland," cries Tertius, "beyond a doubt, and Van Eden was the
man who introduced it."

But I have asked this question with an ulterior view. It is time, I
think, for some alterations in the nomenclature and classification of
the Rose. When summer Roses — Roses, that is, which bloom but once
— were almost the only varieties grown, and when hybridisers found
a splendid market for novelties in any quantities, new always, and
distinct in name, the subdivisions yet remaining in our catalogues
were interesting, no doubt, to our forefathers, and more intelligible, let
us hope, than they are to us. Let us believe that it was patent to
their shrewder sense why pink Roses were called Albas, and Roses
whose hues were white and lemon were described as Damask. Let us
suppose that they could distinguish at any distance the Gallica from the
Provence Rose, and that when they heard the words Hybrid China,
instead of being reminded, as I am, of a cross between a Cochin and
a Dorking fowl, they recognised an infinity of distinctive attributes
which estrange that variety from the Hybrid Bourbon in the most
palpable and objective form. Though it may be difficult for us to
understand why the Persian Yellow, brought to England from Persia
by Sir H. Willock, should have been promptly described as an Austrian
Brier — and we are a trifle perplexed to comprehend whence the latter,
discovered first in Italy, derived its appellation — let us be sure that it
was all plain, and clear as the light, to them.

But now that these summer Roses are no longer paramount — rapidly
disappearing, on the contrary, before the superior and more enduring
beauty of those varieties which bloom in summer and autumn too ;
now that several divisions formerly recognised are gone from the cata-

1869.] THE ROSE. 245

logues, and others include but two or three able-bodied Roses on their
muster-roll — it would be advisable, I think, to ignore altogether these
minor distinctions, and to classify as summer Roses all those which bloom
but once. !N"ot without a painful sigh can we older rosarians witness
the removal of our old landmarks — not without a loyal sorrow do we
say farewell to friends who have brightened our lives with so much
gladness 3 but we cannot long remember our losses, surrounded as we
are by such abundant gains, and the tears of memory must pass away
as quickly as the dew in summer. We ring out the old with funeral
bells j we ring in the new with a merry peal. Pensive upon our for-
mer favourites, and poring over ancient lists, we are as wanderers in
some fair burial-ground, half garden and half graves (would that " God's
acre " were always so !), reading mournfully the names of the departed.
Let us rejoice the rather to leave the shade of melancholy boughs for the
sunlit ground, which is garden all of it, and let us return to the sum-
mer Roses, demanding and deserving admission.

The white and red Roses of my childhood have long left the garden
in which they grew. I see the former sometimes by old farmhouses
and in cottage plots, wildly vigorous as a gypsy's hair, and covering
huge bushes with its snowy flowers profusely, like a Guelder Rose,
recalling the suggestion of the elder Pliny, that once upon a time the
land we live in was named, after its white Roses, Albion — ob albas
rosas.* But the latter, the Damask, with its few rich velvety-crimson
petals, is a memory, and that is all. Nor do I ask a restoration in
either case ; only that they may be replaced by better Roses — the
White by Blanchefleur, very pretty, although the blanche is decidedly
a French white ; by Madame Hardy, a true white, and a well-formed
Rose, but, alas! "green-eyed," like "jealousy" — envious, it maybe,
of Madame Zoutman, who, though not of such a clear complexion, is
free from ocular infirmities ; or, with more reason, of Princesse Clemen-
tine, before described (see p. 199) as one of our best white Roses;
by Princesse de Lamballe, which most resembles the Alba of my boy-
hood, producing an abundance of Roses, distinct and pretty, but
undersized ; and by Triomphe de Bayeux, whose praise has been
sung at p. 151, su2:)ra.

These white Roses are no candidates (though candidatoe) at our
severe competitive examinations ; but they are delightful members of
our Rose community, beautiful in themselves, and enhancing greatly
the beauty of others. We must not be fastidious because they are of
medium size in some cases and not purely white in others, remem-

* " Albion insula sic dicta ab albis rupibus quas mare alluit, vel ob rosas albas,
quibus abuudat." — Hist. Nat., iv. 16.

246 THE GARDENER. [June

bering that their colours are still the most rare of all, and that their
flowers are plenteous always. They are easily cultivated on the Brier,
the Manetti, or their own roots.

In place of the dark crimson, which we called the Damask, Rose,
the amateur is advised to substitute Boule de Nanteuil, D'Aguesseau,
Frederic IL, General Jacqueminot (hybrid China), Grandissima, Ohl,
Paul Ricaut, Shakespeare, and Triomphe de Jaussens. These are noble
Roses, of healthful growth, fine foliage, and ample bloom. They make
grand heads on standards of medium height, moderately pruned, and
immoderately manured. It seems to me but a few summers since
these were our finest show varieties, the belles of our Court balls ;
and now, seen in the zenith of their glory upon the trees, they are not
to be surpassed in size or richness of colour, but they have not the
vellers, becoming restless in hot summer nights, and throwing off their
perfect symmetry of our more recent Roses, and they are but poor tra-
petals, as feverish dreamers their counterpane and blanket and sheet.

Intermediate between these light and dark varieties — neither blondes
nor brunettes, Minnas nor Brendas — I commend for the general orna-
mentation of the Rosary, and from the summer Roses advertised in our
lists, all the Pillar Roses described at p. 150, especially Blairii 2,
Charles Lawson, Coupe d'Hebe, Juno, and Paul Perras. Low on
bushes, high on poles, or midway on the brier, these Roses are alike
effective, charming. To these I would add La Ville de Bruxelles,
having bright pink flowers of a compact form, and so complete my
selection of summer Roses for the general collection.

"Wait a moment," it may be said j "do you mean to tell us that
such Roses as Blairii 2 and Charles Lawson are only garden Roses, and
not good enough for exhibition 1 " Yes, I do mean to tell you that
it is with these Roses as with those which we discussed before them.
If you could bring the British public to them, they would be rewarded
with the highest distinctions, but the process of conveying them to
the British public takes the exquisite freshness from Charles Lawson's
beauty, and too often produces in the junior Miss Blair a transition
from the blushing gracefulness of girlhood into the rubicund stoutness
of middle age. Again and again, charmed by their loveliness over-
night, I have given them a place in my boxes : as often I have been
obliged to confess that the impulse of the evening did not satisfy
the morning's reflection. On this subject I shall have more to say;
meanwhile let us sniff

The Sweet-Brier ; and let no rosarian lightly esteem this simple
but gracious gift. " You are a magnificent swell," said a dingy little
brown bird, by name Philomela, to a cock-pheasant strutting and
crowing in the woods, " but your music is an awful failure." So may

1869.] THE ROSE. 247

the Sweet-Brier, with no flowers to speak of, remind many a gaudy
neighbour that fine feathers do not constitute a perfect bird, and that
men have other senses as well as that of sight to please. Not even
among the Roses shall we find a more delicious perfume. The Thurif er
wears a sombre cassock, but no sweeter incense rises heavenward.

In one of our most beautiful midland gardens there is a circular
space hedged in, and filled exclusively with sweet-scented leaves
and flowers. There grows the Eglantine and the Honeysuckle, the
Gilliflower, the Clove, and Stock, Sweet Peas and Musk, Jasmine
and Geranium, Verbena and Heliotrope — but the Eglantine to me,
when I passed through " The Sweet Garden," as it is called, just after a
soft May shower, had the sweetest scent of them all. It is an idea
very gracefully imagined and happily realised, but suggested by, and
still suggesting, sorrowful sympathies, for the owner of that garden
is blind.

The Austrian Brier is a Sweet-Brier also ; and though not so frag-
rant in its foliage as our own old favourite, it brings us, in the variety
called Persian Yellow, a satisfactory recompense — namely, flowers of
deepest, brightest yellow, prettily shaped, but small. This Rose is
almost the earliest to tell us that summer is at hand, first by unfold-
ing its sweet leaves, of a most vivid refreshing green, and then by
its golden blooms. It grows well on the brier, but is preferable, when
size is an object, on its own roots, from which it soon sends vigorous
suckers, and so forms a large bush. In pruning, the amateur will do
well to remember the warning —

" Ah me ! what perils do environ
The man who meddles with cold iron ; "

seeing that if he is too vivacious with his knife, he wiU inevitably de-
stroy all hopes of bloom. Let him remove weakly wood altogether, and
then only shorten by a few inches the more vigorous shoots.

We will pass now from garden Roses, which bloom but once, to
those which are called Perpetual, " biferique rosaria Psesti." What a
change in my garden since, forty years ago, the " old Monthly " and
another member of the same family, but of a deep crimson complexion
(Fabvier, most probably), were the only Roses of continuous bloom !
and now among 3000 trees not more than 30 are summer Roses. All
the rest Perpetuals, or rather, for I must repeat it, called Perpetuals
by courtesy, seeing that many of them score 0 in their second innings,
and but few resume their former glory in autumn. They are, never-
theless, as superior for the most part in endurance as in quality to
the summer Roses, and they supply an abundance of the most beauti-
ful varieties both for the purpose now under consideration, the general
ornamentation of the rosary, and for public exhibition.

248 THE GARDENER. [June

Before we skim their cream as garden Roses, let us remember with
admiration the ancestral cow. For who shall despise those old China
Roses, which have brightened more than any other flower our English
homes, smiling through our cold and sunless days like the brother
born for adversity, and winning from the foreigner, as much perhaps
as any of our graces, this frequent praise, " Your land is the garden of
the world." The Frenchman, for example, as I can remember him in
my boyhood, who had been travelling on the straight, flat, hedgeless,
turfless roads of France, in a torpid, torrid, dusty diligence, was in
an ecstasy as he sat upon the Dover mail, and went smoothly and
cheerily, 10 miles per hour, through the meadows and the orchards,
the hop-yards and the gardens of Kent. But nothing pleased him
more than the prettiness of the wayside cottage, clothed with the
Honeysuckle and the China Rose, and fragrant with Sweet-Brier, Wall-
flower, Clove, and Stock.

I may not urge the restoration of this village beauty to the modern
Rose-garden, but in the mixed garden and in the shrubbery the constant
brave "old Monthly," the last to yield in winter, the first to bloom in
spring, is still deserving of a place. He, at all events, is no more a rosar-
ian who sees no beauty in this rose, than he a florist who does not
love the meanest flower which grows. Nor must he neglect some
other old favourites in this family — such as Cramoisie Superieure,
honestly named, glowing and brilliant as any of our crimson Roses,
and forming a charming bed, or edging of a bed, especially in the
autumn — and Mrs Bosanquet, always fair, and good as beautiful, the
same, like a true lady, in an exalted or a low estate, on a standard or on
the ground, alone or in group, composed, graceful, not having one of
its pale pink delicate petals out of place. Both of these Roses thrive
well in pots, but they are most attractive, I think, on their own roots
out of doors, in a bed of rich light mellow loam, pruned according to
vigour of growth, and pegged down when their shoots are supple, so
as to present an uniform surface.

When speaking of the Moss Rose generally, I anticipated the little
which I had to say of the Moss Perpetual (p. 202), and, passing on to
the Damask Perpetual, have but two Roses to commend, and these
only where space is unlimited and the love of Roses voracious. A
tender sadness comes to me thus speaking of them, a melancholy
regret, as when one meets in mid - life some goddess of our early
youth, and, out upon Time ! she has no more figure than a lighthouse,
and almost as much crimson in her glowing countenance as there is in
its revolving light ; and we are as surprised and disappointed as was
Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe when he met Mrs Siddons at Abbotsford,
and "she ate boiled beef, and swilled porter, and took snufF, and

1869.] THE ROSE. 249

laughed till she made the whole room shake again." I do not mean
that these Perpetual Damasks are too robust and ruddy, but that they
charm us no more as when Mr Lee of Hammersmith introduced Rose
du Roi to a delighted public, and the Comte, who presided over the
gardens in which the Rose was raised at St Cloud, resigned his office
in disgust because the flower was not named after himself, Lelieur.
A most ungracious act, seeing that it was by the King's (Louis XYIII.)
desire that the Rose had its royal title, and that the honour of origin-
ating the variety was due (no uncommon case) to Suchet the foreman,
and not to Lelieur, the chef. Mogador, which was subsequently raised
from Rose du Roi, was a decided improvement, and is still very effec-
tive in a bed, from its vivid crimson tints ; but very few of those
amateurs, who may pay me the compliment of furnishing their
rosaries with the varieties which I commend the most, will, I think,
have room, when I have completed my catalogue, for the Damask
Perpetual Rose.

It can vie no more with that section, the most perfect and extensive
of all, which we will next consider, so far as its garden Roses are
concerned — viz., the Hybrid Perpetual. Two of our most fastidious
rosarians, ejecting from a select list every flower which has not some
special excellence, give us the names of 120 varieties as being sans
reproche. " I have inserted in this Kst," says Mr Rivers, " Roses only,
whether new or old, that are distinct, good, and, above all, free and
healthy in their growth ; the flowers are all of full size, fine shape, and
perfection in colour; in short, any variety selected from it even at random
will prove good and well worthy of cultivation." " Roses suitable for
Exhibition" is the heading of Mr George Paul's list ; and no exhibitor
has proved so oft or so convincingly a knowledge of what to show,
and how to show it. But I am anticipating this part of my subject,
and, returning to our garden Roses, recommend the following selection :
Anna Alexieff, Auguste Mie, Baronne Prevost, Caroline de Sansales,
Duchesse de Cambaceres, Duchess of Norfolk, Duchess of Sutherland,
Eugene Appert, General Jacqueminot, Oriflamme de St Louis, Souve-
nir de la Reine d'Angleterre, and Triomphe de I'Exposition, which
have been already described as Pillar Roses (p. 147-49), and are equally
praiseworthy upon the standard or the bush. Of these Baronne Prev-
ost and General Jacqueminot make magnificent beds upon their own
roots, and so does Geant des Batailles, who, though no longer, as I
remember him, commander-in-chief, is still a handsome and efficient
aide-de-camp. To these I must add Alphonse Damaizin, a rich deep-
crimson Rose ; Charles Margottin, bright carmine, all hut an exhibition
Rose ; Anna de Diesbach, one of our largest, loveliest Roses, quite a
necessity in every garden, and generally included among show Roses,

250 THE GARDENER. [June

but somewhat too deficient in the number of its pink petals to endure
the ordeal ; Duke of Edinburgh, a glorious flower, holding his own
with any of the Jacqueminot tribe on the tree, but succumbing rapidly
to heat ; Mademoiselle Bonn aire, very precious for its delicate colour-
ing, white deepening to a central pink, and passing fair in the bud,
but too small for the censor; Madame Hector Jacquin, of exquisite
form, its petals, silvery rose, overlapping each other with a regular and
perfect grace, but not enduring much heat or locomotion ; Madame
Knorr, an excellent and reliable tree-rose, bright pink, and prettily
shaped, but soon losing its freshness; and Triomphe de Paris,
valuable as a very early bloomer, and a handsome purple crimson
Rose.

Of the Bourbons, although two only now attain public honours,
there are several which are valuable additions to a general collection
of Roses. Acidalie is extremely pretty, nearly white, and blooming
bountifully in a genial season, when other Roses are scarce, that is, in
the later autumn. Although it grows vigorously both upon stocks
and pei^ se, when the soil and the summer are propitious, it is but a fine-
weather sailor, and, " like that love which has nothing but beauty to
keep it in good health, is short-lived, and apt to have ague-fits." I
advise the amateur, consequently, to remember Acidalie in the bud-
ding season, so that he may always have a duplicate in reserve.
Armosa is a charming little Rose, neat in form, and bright pink in
complexion. Bouquet de Flore, an old favourite, still claims a place
for its carmine flowers ; and Catherine Guillot, with Louise Odier,
having both the beauty and the family likeness of Lawrence's " lovely
sisters," are as two winsome maids-of -honour in waiting upon the
Bourbon Queen — dethroned, it is true, by more potent rivals, but still
asking our loyal love for its sweet, abundant, fawn-coloured flowers.
The Rev. H. Dombrain, in the flesh, is a true rosarian, a trusty,
genial M'riter, an accomplished florist, as all florists know ; and in the
flower he is one of our best Bourbon Roses. Not so beautiful, of
course, as his daughter. Marguerite Dombrain (of whom more anon),
but an early, reliable, vigorous, bright carmine Rose. Were the
Roses sentient, as I sometimes think they are, this one would have
their special regard and honour. Mr Dombrain has been, as it were,
the consul for French Roses in England, and more than any other man
has made known the merits of the new-comers, and so insured for them
a kindly welcome.

Of the Tea Roses, those which are hardy are suitable for exhibition,
and none of them, except Gloire de Bourdeaux, which has more of the
Noisette character, and which has been described at p. 148, can be con-
sidered as garden Roses. Madame Falcot and Safrano would be

1869.] CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS. 251

valuable additions/ but they only withstand our severest winters in
southern or sheltered localities.

Of the Noisette, Jaune Desprez, Lamarque, and Solfaterre, have been
selected as Climbing or Pillar Roses, and have been previously discussed.
They are available as standards also, the best for that purpose be-
ing Solfaterre. I have found Narcisse to be hardy in all winters save
that of 1860-1; and its lovely Roses, white, deepening to a Primrose
centre, claim a place in every rosarium. The time will soon be here
when Celine Forestier and Triomphe de Rennes will take their place, a
high one, among garden Roses, but in our present scarcity of yellow
flowers they are valuable as exhibition varieties.

And now, my reader, as when eating our strawberries in early
youth, boys by their mothers', girls by their fathers' sides, we reserved
the largest to the last ; or as when, in later years, we loved something
more dearly even than strawberries — making with the Yorkshire
rustic our tender confession, *'! loikes poi, Mary; but, oh Mary,
I loikes you better nor poi" — we, meeting in mixed company, reserved
for our beloved the final fond farewell, or meeting, not in mixed com-
pany, found that the sweetest which was, alas ! the parting kiss ; even
so have I reserved for my conclusive chapter the Roses which I love
the best — those Roses which are chosen for their more perfect beauty,
like the fairest maidens at some public fete, to represent the sisterhood
before a wondering world.

S. Reynolds Hole.

THE CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS.

THE APPLE.
{Continued from page 209. )

The stocks to be used for grafting the Apple upon ought to be strong,
vigorous, and healthy. They should be at least IJ inch or 2
inches in circumference, and those which are intended to be worked
at standard height should at first be chosen from the seedling beds
for their straight and strong habits of growth. They ought to be
encouraged to grow erect by pinching the side shoots at every second
and third eye, and by having their leaders trained in an upright
direction to a stake. This is not necessary except in cases where the
kinds to be worked are weak-growing and tender varieties, as the
most of the varieties of the Apple will form standards if required,
although grafted at 1 foot from the ground. In fact, I am not sure

252 THE GARDENER. [June

if 4 to 6 inches is not a better height to graft at than higher, as the
more exalted the seat of union is between the scion and stock, the
more chances there are that they may be broken, either by working
amongst them or from the violence of the wind. The union is but
very slight for some considerable time, so that the more secure the
position we select for them, the greater will be our chances of success.
In the case of grafting at standard height, I would invariably recom-
mend that the stem be made very secure to a strong stake, and as
soon as the scion is long enough to be tied, let it also be made secure
in a like manner. The stocks for the Apple ought to be treated in
exactly the same way as recommended for the Pear, by root-pruning
regularly every year except the one when the union is to be formed ;
and the reasons for this mode of procedure are exactly the same in
both cases. In selecting a tree from which to obtain scions, let it be
as healthy as possible, and free from canker ; for although canker is a
disease which is most generally brought on by surrounding circum-
stances, yet, nevertheless, I believe it to be in a great measure
hereditary, and that it will take the greatest amount of cultural skill
to keep a tree healthy which has been grafted from an unhealthy
parent.

Cut down the stocks when the tree is dormant to within 2 or 3
inches of where the union is to be effected, and obtain also the grafts
about the same time. They may be tied in small bundles and put
in by "the heels" into the soil, until the grafting season comes round,
which, according to position and climate, will be from the middle of
March till the middle of April. As in the Pear, so in the Apple — the
stock ought to be slightly, if possible, in advance of the scion, when a
better and quicker union is effected than if they were exactly in the
same stage of growth. If a stock were in a dormant state, and had a
scion considerably in advance of it inserted upon it, the result would
be death to the graft before the energies of the stock were brought to
bear thereupon.

Whip -grafting is the method in most general use for young Apple-
trees ; and as we have detailed the operation in speaking of the Pear,
we need not here repeat it again.

In treating of the Pear, I quite inadvertently neglected to speak of
"crown-grafting." This is a mode of grafting in very general use for
renewing, or rather refurnishing, of Apple and Pear trees where the
varieties upon the stock become unproductive, through the influence of
climate or from some other cause, or where it may be desirous to
introduce a better variety. The scions are to be obtained at the usual
time, and the stock cut back to the desired height during the dormant
season. As a rule, such old stocks will in all probability be earlier

1869.] CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS. 253

ready for operating upon than the seedling plants. I would always
be careful, however, not to spend time and trouble upon any old stock,
unless I were sure that it was in a healthy condition about the roots.
The same materials will be in demand at grafting-time as have been
already recommended. Having all things ready, the operator takes
his knife, and with it makes a slit longitudinally for 2 or 3 inches,
after which he must gently raise the bark with the bone handle of a
budding-knife — being as careful as possible not to hurt or lift the
alburnum — until the opening be large enough to receive the scion.
The scion is prepared in exactly the same way as for whip-grafting,
except that no tongue is made thereupon ; it is then introduced into
the place ready for its reception ; the bark of the stock is tied firmly
down upon it with mat, clay or wax is applied, as in other grafting, a
layer of moss is tied over the whole, and the operation is finished.
According to the size of the stock will be the number of the grafts
inserted. As a rule, one scion for every 3 inches in circumference
of the stock will be found sufficient. Mr Thomson, in the 'Gardener's
Assistant,' recommends that, the stock being circular, the scion ought
to be cut with a cavity or hollow, so as neatly to fit into or upon the
stock — his reason being, " so that its inner bark might be in immediate
contact with the layer of cambium from which the bark of the stock
was raised." This, no doubt, is an admirable suggestion where the
stock operated upon is 2 or 3 inches in diameter ; but where the stock
is much larger than this, it will be quite unnecessary, as the part of a
circle described in the small space used for grafting will be so small
that a scion cut flat will fit well enough without any such operation.

It may also be as well to here describe the mode of budding in most
general use for the Apple and Pear. It sometimes will happen that in
young trees blanks will occur where it would be desirable to have a
branch or form a spur. In such a case the best plan to adopt will be to
insert a bud.

The best time to perform this operation is about the end of July or
beginning of August, although it may also be performed in spring, when
the flow of sap is such as will allow of the wood to freely part with the
bark of the bud. At this time of the year the bud to be used will be
taken from the former year's growth. We do not, however, consider
this nearly such a good time as about midsummer or a little after, as
buds inserted at that time do not start into growth soon enough to en-
able them to perfect their wood before the season of rest. By inserting
it at the proper time in summer, it will remain dormant all winter, after
having effected a union, and will be ready in spring to start into growth
with the rest of the tree.

There are various modes of budding which will answer for this pur-

254 THE GARDENER. [June

pose — viz., sliield-budding, inverted ± budding, and square shield-
budding. The former of these we prefer, and consider the best, but
either or all of them will answer the purpose well enough. Shield-
budding is done something after this manner : take a sharp budding-
knife, and where the bud is to be placed make a cut across the branch
to the depth of the bark, from J to -J an inch in length, according to the
size of the bud. From the centre of this cut make another cut running
at right angles with it, and from 1^ to 2 inches long, according as it
may be desired. Assuming this operation is being performed in sum-
mer, a nice plump bud of this year's growth is selected and cut from its
parent branch, with a piece of wood adhering thereunto. When cut,
the wood is gently raised and cast away, nothing being left but the bud
and bark ; and this, if the operation has been i3roperly done, will much
resemble a round-pointed steel pen. The bud should stand well up
upon the bark, say one -third of its length from the top. The bud
being ready, take the bone handle of the knife, and with it gently raise
as much of the bark on either side of the longitudinal cut as will admit
the bud. In this operation be careful not to hurt or destroy the
alburnum, as much of the success of the operation depends upon this
point. All things being ready, let the bud be gently introduced at the
top of the JL cut, and as gently and easily as possible brought down to
the bed made for its repose. This done, take a broad soft piece
of mat (not Cuba), and commence to bind up the bud upon the stock
as tightly and firmly as possible. It must be borne in mind that
unless the portion of bark right under the bud is brought into
close contact with the alburnum, the operation will prove a failure.
The binding ought to be commenced at the bottom of the bud and
carried upwards, as by doing so there is not so much chance of it being
rubbed about upon the alburnum ; and further, it is easier to make a
firm and secure binding of the bud than if tied downwards. It is a
good practice to leave a portion of the leaf stem along with the bud, as
it is from it we obtain the first tokens of success. If in the course of
a few weeks it drops off of its own accord, it is a sign of success ; if on
the other hand it withers and becomes dry, it is a sure token of death
in the bud. As soon as it drops, or shortly after, the ties should be
examined, and if too tight, they ought to be re-tied more loosely.
This may have to be done twice or thrice before the " rest " season, but
in every case the mat should not be removed until the following spring,
when the bud will push into growth.

Inarching is sometimes brought into requisition for the same purpose
as I have recommended budding, and it has this advantage, that where
a branch can be spared upon one part of a tree, and bent so as to be
brought into contact with the trunk at the point where wanted, the

1869.] HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 255

vacancy will be more speedily filled up in this manner. Cut with a sharp
knife a portion of the bark^ and a little way down into the alburnum,
where it is intended to form a new branch. The cut so made must be
as nearly as possible the size of the branch to be inarched. Take the
latter and cut into it after the same manner, making the cut about the
same size ; thereafter bring the face of the cuts into firm contact, and
tie up with mat, the same as grafting. Clay may also be applied, which
will facilitate the union. The best time to perform this operation is
shortly after the rise of the sap. I never have performed this opera-
tion upon either Apples or Pears, but have done so with great success
upon several other fruits, and I have every confidence that it is a good
practice to fill up a blank speedily. For fuller information upon this
point I refer the reader to Lindley's ' Theory of Horticulture,' p. 323.

James M'Millan.
[To he continued).

NOTES ON HARDY HERBACEOUS PLAINTS.

Trtentalis Europe a. — This pretty little plant is a native of Britain
and other countries of Europe, also of North America and Asia, always
affecting the colder latitudes, or, if appearing in the warmer countries,
it rises into the mountains. Old fir or other open moist woods are its
favourite haunts. It is a solitary species, and the sole representative
in the flora of Britain of the seventh class in the Linnaean system of
botany ; but it is not a good seventh, the parts of the flowers being
often found in fives. The whole plant rarely exceeds 6 inches high,
wdth erect wiry stems bearing a few leaves whorl-fashion at the top,
and from the centre of these spring the chaste and graceful star-like
white or pale pink flowers with a small yellow eye. On rockwork it
must be placed in such a position as that shade and moisture will be
secured to it, and the soil it most delights in is open gritty leaf-mould,
or very sandy peat and light loam. It does not succeed cultivated in the
ordinary exposed mixed border or bed, shade being very essential to its
wellbeing ; but it is a most useful plant to introduce into moderately
shady moist woods or banks, with a northern aspect, where the natural
herbage is not too rank and overpowering. In all cases where the in-
troduction of it is contemplated, the soil above named should be liberally
allowed ; it well repays a little trouble in the first preparation for its
reception. The flowers appear in cultivation usually in May or June,
but in nature often a month later. Division is the best method of
propagation.

256 THE GARDENER. [June

Lysimachia. — This is a useful, sliowy, and free- flowering group of
plants. For a small family there is considerable diversity of habit
in the members comprised in it, but there is little variety of colour,
yellow in various shades being the predominating hue. L. num-
mularia is one of the prettiest and most interesting. It is a dwarfy
prostrate plant, throwing many branches out in all directions from
the centre, which in moist situations root at the joints and so spread
many feet. The flowers are yellow and appear in June, and last on
till September and October if occasionally pinched in to induce fresh
growth. It is useful for a variety of purposes — for clothing rock-work,
moist banks, front lines in mixed beds and borders, and for festooning
the margins of rustic vases where such ornaments may with propriety
of taste be introduced into flower-gardens. Native of Britain and
Europe generally. A variety with yellow leaves or yellow variegated
leaves, recently introduced, is of considerable value, and will, when
more generally known, become a favourite in the flower-garden of
any style.

L. vulgaris, like the last-named species, is a native of Britain, and
Europe generally, appearing also in many parts of Asia and in Aus-
tralia. It rises erect to the height of 2 or 3 feet, with branching stems
terminating in loose leafy panicles of yellow flowers, which appear in
July, August, and September. It is not at all a choice-looking plant,
but it is valuable for introducing into moist open woods, and for plant-
ing on the banks of ponds and streams where the natural vegetation
stands in need of improvement, and for lighting up masses of shrubs.
It succeeds in any common soil, but delights most in partially shady
moist places.

L. punctata, by some considered as a rather well-marked variety of
L. vulgaris, is for horticultural purposes not very distinct from that spe-
cies. It is found in some parts of England and Scotland along with
L. vulgaris, and in south-eastern Europe. The spotting implied in the
specific name is not of much value.

L. thyrsiflora, native of Britain and other parts of Europe, of north-
ern Asia and America. It is similar in aspect to the preceding spe-
cies, but dwarfer, and with simple or unbranched erect stems. The
flowers are yellow in rather dense racemes, and appear in June, July,
and August. Useful for the same purposes as the preceding.

L. angustifolia, from North America, is a very graceful species, grow-
ing to the height of a foot or eighteen inches, with terminal leafy pan-
icles of nodding pale yellow flowers. It is useful for the same purposes
as the two preceding species, and is well worth a place in the mixed
border. Like the others it delights in moisture, and is not fastidious
as to the quality of the soil. The flowers appear in June and July.

1869.] FRUIT-CULTURE. 257

L. epliemerum, from several parts of the south of Europe, is very
distinct from either of the foregoing species. It grows about 2 feet
high, with rather graceful habit, and the stems terminate in handsome
racemes of white flowers. The corolla is rotate, with deeply-divided
spreading lobes obovate in form. It flowers in July and August, and
is most suitable for cultivating in the mixed border or the margins of
shrubberies in good moist soil.

FRUIT-CULTUKE.

THE GRAPE VINE.
{Continued from page 155.)

In this paper we propose to point out a few of the errors into which
amateur Grape-growers especially are prone to fall, though these errors
are by no means confined to them. Prominent amongst these is over-
cropping ; this proceeds from a very natural desire to get the greatest
weight of fruit possible from a given area, but it generally defeats the
end aimed at.

We were once telegraphed for by a gentleman to come and advise
him what could be done for his Grapes, as they were red and sour.
When we arrived at the nearest railway station to his residence, the
gardener met us, and in reply to an inquiry regarding the state of the
Grapes, he said he believed the Vines were overcropped, but his em-
ployer would not allow him to take any of the bunches off. We met
the proprietor near the garden, and we all three went into the vinery.
We listened to the remarks he made about his Vines, which ran in the
direction of blaming the gardener for " not giving heat enough, or air
enough, or something of that sort." But what did we see? Why, two
bunches on every lateral, on some three, the berries nearly all red, and
sour as vinegar, with here and there a black one which was sweet.
They were Black Hamburgs. We at once stated that the crop left on
the Vines was three times more than they could bear, and that if a
third of the quantity had been left on them the fruit would have been
good. The proprietor had philosophical theories about nature guiding
plants in the production of only such quantities of fruit as they are
able to bring to maturity. We need scarcely add that the Vine is not
the only plant that repudiates this doctrine, though it does it perhaps
more evidently than any other, a notable example of which was the
case here referred to. It is impossible to lay down an exact rule as to
the number or weight of bunches that ought to be left on Vines

258 THE GARDENER. [June

occupying a given area, so mucli depends on tlie vigour of the Vines,
the state of the border, and the supplies of liquid manure that
can with safety be given to the roots. As a general rule, one bunch
on every alternate lateral is a sufficient crop. Those who grow Grapes
for exhibition frequently reduce the bunches to half-a-dozen, and even
a smaller number than that, to a 20-feet rod ; but this is a sacrifice
made for a special purpose, and has no bearing on the question in
hand.

We superintended the erection and planting of a couple of small
vineries for an amateur neighbour some few years ago. In 1867 one of
these houses, 30 feet long by 10 feet wide, had ninety-nine bunches of
Grapes on it, none of them under 2 lb., many of them 4 lb. weight,
thus giving a crop of at least 300 lb., or something like 1 lb. to the
foot superficial of the glass roof. We protested that the Vines would
be ruined, but they finished their crop weU. Last year the crop was
equally heavy, but they did not colour. This year the crop is very
meagre, and the Vines show that they are thoroughly exhausted; and
we have no doubt it will take them a couple of years to recover their
strength, if ever they do so, to their original point. We have given
these examples as being better than precept — we could give many
such.

Another and a very common error in Grape cultivation is the
crowding of the wood and foliage. Many seem to prefer having
three unripe and unfruitful laterals to one that would be certain to
bear fruit.

We saw the most aggravated case of this description that ever
came under our notice in Holland in 1861. We were anxious to see
Dutch gardening as practised in one of the best private gardens of the
country ; and, under the guidance of M. Van Velson of Haarlem, we
made our way to one that had the reputation we required. There we
found, amongst numerous other glass erections, a range of three well-
built vineries; the extreme ends of the range were built of brick, the
roofs alone being of glass; and so dense was the mass of foliage
against the glass, that it was with difficulty we could see the few
small bunches of Grapes that hung on long foot-stalks like the pend-
ulums of Dutch clocks. They did not make up the fourth of the crop
such houses ought to produce. The gardener — who, by the way, had on
a clean white apron, as had all his assistants — asked us through M.
Van Velson what we thought of his Vines. We replied that if they
were under our care we should that afternoon cut out three-fourths of
the wood, and spread the remainder out so as to expose its foliage
properly to light and air. With a shrug of his shoulders he replied, " And
where would you get your fruit from next year V We explained that

1869.] FLORIST FLOWERS. 259

experience had taught us that one well-ripened rod is worth more,
as far as the production of good fruit was concerned, than ten that
are not. Judging from certain shrugs of the shoulders and grimaces,
we rather suspect that our advice was not followed, and that the good
Dutchman sticks to quantity, in preference to quality, still.

A third and very common error is the allowing all the bunches
that set to hang on the Vines too long before they are thinned off,
and too long a time to elapse before the berries are thinned in the
bunches. The former is a great waste of the vital strength of the
Vine. Therefore, as soon as the Grapes are set, reduce the bunches
at once to the required number ; then set about thinning the berries
in the bunches, beginning with the Hamburgs and free setters first.
Bunches can never be properly thinned when the berries are so large
that the scissors can scarcely be got in amongst them without damaging
those berries that are to form the bunches. As a rule, we believe the
berries in the bunches are more frequently over than under thinned.
Nothing looks worse than to see a bunch of Grapes much over-thinned,
and its shoulders tied out with strings till it resembles nothing so
much as some of Punch's caricatures of "the Russian eagle;" and
when cut and laid on a dessert-dish, it would be a misnomer to call it
a hunch of Grapes.

Still another error is that of allowing the Vines to make an excess of
lateral growth beyond the bunches, till they present a tangled mass of
growth, and then on a given day to set to work and cut away all this
overgrowth at once, forgetting that by this means great injury must
be done to the young roots of the Vine, and a shock given to its
general system. The proper method is to pinch such laterals beyond
the first leaf at least once a-week during the season of rapid growth.

W. Thomson.

FLORIST FLOWERS.

Continued from page 188.

ANTIRRHINUMS.

Section I. — Beauty, Clipper, Carnation, Eclat, Harlequin, Hendersonii, Leopard,
Petrel, Prince Alfred, Rob Roy, Striata perfecta, Stella.

Section II. — Beda, Cherub, Magii, Marquis, Mrs M'Donald, Nox, Royal Albert,
Sunbeam, Spark, The Lady, The Prince, Victoria, War Eagle.

PENTSTEMONS.

Section I. — A. Smith, Candidate, George Sand, John Pow, Lady Hay, Lion,
Laprevote, Mazeppa, Mons. Allison, Mutual, Regalia, Pauline Dinmont, Rev. J.
H. Tait.

s

260 THE GARDENER. [June

Section 77.— Colin Bell, Dr Hogg, Eclat, James Forrest, John Paton, Leah,
Pauline, Queen Victoria, Shirley Hibberd, The Emperor, Unique, William
Thorn.

FUCHSIAS.

Section /.— Brilliantissima, Blanchette, Day Dream, First of the Day, Father
Ignatius, Light Heart, Lustre, Norfolk G-iant, Killiecrankie, Nonpareil, Try me
0, Bridesmaid, Madame Bront, Starlight.

Section //.—Blue Beauty, Conspicua, Her Majesty, Lord Palmerston, Roderick
Dhu, La Favorita, Elegantissima, Troubadour, Sir C. T. Lindsay, Madame Carne-
lissen. Always Ready, King of Fuchsias.

PELARGONIUMS (stage).

Section I. — Achilles, Charles Turner, Decision, Purity, John Hoyle, Mary Hoyle,
Progress, Royal Albert, Beauty of Windsor, The Rival, High Admiral, Arch-
bishop.

Section II. — The Charmer, Clara, Constance, Kettledrum, Scarlet Nonpareil,
Pulcheria, Vesuvius, Paris, Celeste, International, Startler, Royalty.

PELARGONIUMS (fancy).

Section I. —Amy Sedgwick, Fascination, Arabella Goddard, Clara Morello, Cloth
of Silver, Ellen Beck, Louisa Payne, Madame Sainton Dolby, Mrs Reynolds Hole,
Sarah Turner, Silver Mantle, Liberty.

Section //.—Anne Page, Beauty, Celestial, Countess Waldegrave, Godfrey,
Lady Craven, Miss in her Teens, Mrs Ford, The Champion.

PELARGONIUMS (spotted).

Section I. — Diopanthus, King of the Belgians, Napoleon III., Spotted Gem,
William Bull, Theophraste, Viceroy of Egypt.

Section //. — Landseer, Madame Furtado, Monitor, Peacock, Spotted Nonpareil,
Virginie.

PELARGONIUMS (zonal e).

Section I. — Comet, Eclat, Lord Derby, Jean Sisley, Julius Ca3sar, John Wil-
liams, Countess of Rosslyn, Emmeline, Hon. G. Hardy, Nosegay, Floribunda.

Section II. — Countess of Caithness, Miss Edith, Beauty, Glow, Edith, Mrs
Baird, Marksman, Duchess of Sutherland, Mrs Sanderson, Sultan.

PELARGONIUMS (variegated).

The following may be considered some of the best : Lucy Grieve, Lady Cul-
lum, Sophie Dumaresque, Spanish Beauty, Mrs Dix, Miss Watson, Mrs Turner,
Sophie Cossack, Queen of Tricolors, Jetty Lacy, Louisa Smith, Queen Victoria,
Caroline Longfield.

PELARGONIUMS (gold and bronze).
Beauty of Calderdale, Duke of Edinburgh, Luminator, E. G. Henderson, Coun-
tess of Kellie, Egyptian Queen, Kentish Hero, Mrs John Todd.

VERBENAS.

Section /.— Anatoli Leroy, Crimson King, Fanny Martin, Interesting, J. C.
Ward, John Wilson, James Birbeck, Lord Derby, Madame Tormellier, Shirley
Hibberd, Sir George Musgrove, Coleshill.

Section II. — Blondin, Achievement, Fascination, James Day, King Charming,
Lord Leigh, Mrs Holford, Princess of Wales, The Cure, Rosalind, Popular, Mrs
Mole.

1869.] THE KITCHEN-GARDEN. 261

THE KITCHEW-GARDEN.

No. IV.

{Continued Jrom page 122.)

CAULIFLOWER.

The celebrated Dr Johnson used to say that of all the flowers in the
garden the Cauliflower was the best. Perhaps among the many strong
prej udices which had a place in the rugged but powerful mind of the
author of ' Kasselas ' there might be one against flowers, or at least in
favour of the useful, as compared with the ornamental, in gardens.
But setting aside the remark of the distinguished Doctor, there need
be little fear of exciting opposing opinions by classing the Cauliflower
among the most esteemed of vegetables. Of all the varieties of the
Brassica genus it is the most wholesome and delicate ; for, unless it be
some of the varieties of Broccoli, none of the others can approach it in
this respect.

I am not acquainted with any data that fix the exact time of its
introduction into this country. It was in cultivation in England in
the early part of the seventeenth century, and though then inferior to
our present varieties, it was only known as a dainty at the tables of the
wealthy. It is said to have been first brought to this country from
Cyprus, although there is little or no evidence to show that it is a
native of that island. Towards the middle and end of the seventeenth
century it was grown sufiiciently extensively to allow its being off'ered
regularly for sale in the English markets. Its price, however, ranged
very high at the most plentiful season. Up to the time of the French
Kevolution the Cauliflower was regularly sent from England into Hol-
land and some parts of Germany, and even France. English-grown
Cauliflower is still considered superior to that of Continental growth,
and the seed of it raised here is more esteemed by Continental garden-
ers than that of their own growing. This probably arises from the
high state of cultivation and care in selection which is bestowed upon
it in the neighbourhoods adjacent to London, where the great bulk of
the finest seed is saved.

The earliest crop of the season is produced from seed sown the pre-
vious autumn. The good old rule, " sow and plant often," in order to
keep up a regular supply in good condition, does not apply to any
vegetable with greater propriety than to that now under consideration.
It is well to start with a recognition of this rule by sowing twice
instead of once in autumn. The first sowing should be made about the
middle of August, and the second fourteen days later. In those
localities where the checking frosts of autumn set in early, these times
may perhaps be found late enough, while in other districts I have

262 THE GARDENER. [June

found the last week of August quite early enough. It will depend
entirely on the character of the season which of these two sowings may
prove the most desirable from which to choose the main stock of plants
for wintering in the best condition as to size and hardiness. Some
seasons the earlier sowing may be found too large for wintering in
frames, and in such cases the propriety of a second sowing becomes
apparent.

Choice should be made of an open airy situation on which to sow
the seed. The soil should if possible be moderately light, rich, and
well pulverised. The seed should be sown thinly, so that the crop of
young plants may not become crowded and weakly. If thick, and the
season prove wet, mildew is very apt to destroy them. Should the
weather and ground be dry, the seed should be steeped in water for
twelve hours, and the ground well watered the night before it is sown.
This secures a quick and healthy germination without resorting to the
undesirable practice of watering the soil after the seed is sown. Many
objections might be urged against watering seed-beds in hot dry weather,
with the view of promoting germination and healthy growth. The
action and reaction caused by such a practice in some cases destroys
the seed altogether, and the surface of the soil gets consolidated and
caked over. By soaking the seeds and bed before sowing, and then
shading it from the hot sun, a healthy germination is promoted with
very little trouble.

As has already been remarked, the earliest Cauliflowers of the next
season are produced from these autumn sowings ; and as soon as they
are ready to transplant, a border with a due south and sheltered expos-
ure should be got ready for them. As earliness is the chief object, the
soil should not be heavy nor damp. A good dressing of thoroughlj'^-rotted
manure should be trenched or dug deeply into it, and every spadeful
of the soil should be well pulverised. Hand-glasses should then be
placed on the soil thus prepared at about 2 feet apart one way, and 2J
feet the other. The most stocky and healthy plants that can be selected
are planted five in each glass, one in each corner, and one in the
centre. Although four or five plants is the number to be brought to
maturity in these glasses, no harm results from putting a few more
into each with the view of transplanting them in spring. This, where
framing is scarce, is often practised. Care, however, must be taken
that they do not get crowded, or injury to the whole will be the result,
and the transplanting of the superfluous stock should be done before
rapid growth commences. When planted and watered, the light should
be put over them, but not closely, and a slight shading afforded for a
few hours in the middle of the day if the weather be hot. After they
take with the ground, it must be kept in mind that the more exposed

1869.] THE KITCHEN-GARDEN. 263

they are in autumn, while they continue to make growth, the better
will be their condition to stand the winter, should it be severe, and
come away bold and strong in spring ; consequently the tops of the
lights should be kept off, except to throw off heavy rains. When the
winters are severe, they should be kept closely shut up while the frost
continues, and should be screened from sudden bursts of sunshine. If
severe frosts take place after the sun gains sufficient power to thaw
them quickly, they are more likely to suffer from sudden alternations
of temperature than from continued severe frost. Generally this is
all the shelter found necessary for moderate-sized plants that have
not been crowded, and rendered tender thereby. In mild weather
slugs are the principal devourers that must be looked after and de-
stroyed in the usual way. If the surface of the soil is covered with
the siftings of burned earth or charcoal, it is good for the plants,
and prevents slugs from harbouring so much. If more have been
wintered in the hand-glasses than can be left to come to maturity,
they should be removed by the middle of March. If the hand-
glasses are of the largest sizes, one plant in each corner and one
in the middle may be left, as nice compact early heads are re-
quired rather than large ones ; but if the glasses are smaller, one
in each corner is enough. The surface of the soil should then be
well stirred, all dead leaves removed, and a slight earthing -up of
a few inches of light rich soil applied. On fine days a free exposure to
air must be followed out, shutting them up at night to prevent the soil
from losing the heat absorbed by day. They soon make rapid pro-
gress, and April adds greatly to their size and strength, and they are
generally far ahead of spring -transplanted crops. The glasses should
be removed entirely as soon as the plants outgrow them. A top-dress-
ing of well-rotted manure should then be laid over the surface of the
ground among and around the plants, and over all a covering of soil.
This moulds up the plants and keeps them steady. In performing this
operation the corner plants should be pressed away from the centre, to
further prevent them from becoming crowded. This moulding-up must
be efficiently and firmly done, so that the plants do not get blown about
and loosened at the neck by high winds, and a basin should be left all
around them to hold manure-water. When from dry weather it be-
comes necessary to help them on with water, let it be a thorough
soaking once a-week in preference to smaller quantities more frequently.
A mulching should be applied after the first watering, and nothing is
better for this than old hotbed manure.

In very cold damp situations it is advisable to pot up in October as
many plants as are required for the desired number of glasses, in case,
in the event of severe weather, they get crippled. In pots they can be

264 THE GARDENER. [June

wintered in a cold pit or frame, and turned out into the glasses estab-
lished plants, either to make up blanks or replace the whole stock.
These will come away much earlier than transplanted plants, and in
cold localities it is always advisable to have a few in pots to make up
blanks in the glasses, if not for anything more important ; for if the
blanks are made up by transplanting, the plants so introduced do not
keep pace with the established plants, and eventually get smothered,
and of very little consequence.

Returning to the stock of young plants in the seed-beds, the next
consideration is to take steps to winter a stock of plants for planting
out in good condition in spring, to succeed those under hand-glasses.
The means to this end are to a great extent regulated by the climate
of different parts of the country. Some localities are so favoured
with climate that the Cauliflower can be planted out in quarters like
Cabbage, and generally stand the winter so managed. In others less
mild it is necessary to prick them off under the shelter of a wall. In
the majority of cases it is wise not to trust them without some more
substantial means of protection, and it becomes necessary to put a quan-
tity into temporary pits, with some means of covering them up in
severe frost, and still better are they under glass in cold frames and pits.
For this purpose the latest sowing recommended generally supplies the
most suitable plants — the earliest being generally too large, and not in
such a good condition to stand the winter, and are more likely to but-
ton in spring than less plants. The middle of October is a good time
to transplant them into frames, which should stand dry and well
exposed. Any moderately-rich soil, such as common light garden soil,
answers very well. The most healthy, stubby, and short-necked plants
must be chosen, and planted in rows 4 inches apart each way. They
may stand wider if space be plentiful ; certainly not closer if fine plants
are to be produced.

All the autumn and winter they must be freely exposed to light and
air in mild weather, by pulling off the lights every morning and tilting
them well up at night. Rain must be kept from them on all occa-
sions, as a superabundance of moisture makes them grow too much,
and more liable to suffer from frost. All decaying leaves must be
removed when they appear ; the surface of the soil kept stirred, and if
some charred soil is strewn amongst them, it keeps the surface of the
soil from becoming slimy and caked. In dull damp weather, when it
becomes necessary to cover them up from severe frosts, it must be borne
in mind that they are more likely to be killed by a sudden thaw than
by a smart bite of frost. Therefore they should be kept covered up
from light after the surface of the soil and plants have become frozen,
and not uncovered till they are completely thawed again ; and then the

1869.] THE KITCHEN-GARDEN. 265

covering should be removed, and light and air admitted by degrees.
Mice and slugs are the enemies that are to be guarded against, for if
allowed their own way they soon spoil a lot of plants — the former by
eating the hearts out of them, and the latter by eating the stems
below the leaves.

Looking at these Cauliflower plants that have been wintered in
frames in cold localities, the next consideration is how to manage
them so that they shall succeed those in hand-glasses in a south bor-
der. If transplanted into the open borders or quarters in March they
receive a considerable check, even when lifted with balls and carefully
planted, and are likely to get checked severely by frosts and cutting
winds before they get hold of the ground, so that the earliest of them
has little chance of being ready by the time the latest under the glasses
are cut. To gain the object in view I know of no better plan than
that of potting them up out of the frames the first week of February,
and establishing them in pots in kindly quarters under glass, for a
time at least. In this way they receive a comparatively slight check,
and fine strong plants can be turned out with good balls by the end of
March. They are also better able to contend with sun and wind,
and are much earlier than those transplanted from the frames without
being potted.

Four-inch pots are large enough for the strongest plants, while the
smallest may have a size less. The soil should be rich, such as old
Melon-bed loam and well-rotted leaf -mould in equal proportions, with
a slight sprinkling of fine bone-dust and sand. A single crock in each
pot is enough. They should be potted firmly, and room left in the pot
to hold plenty of water when they require it. In lifting the plants from
the frame, the object should be more to get the roots as entire as pos-
sible than to preserve a ball of earth to them. None of them should
be discarded on account of their being small if healthy, for the greater
the variety in size, the longer and more regular the succession a given
number of plants will afford. After being potted and well watered,
they should be returned to the pit or frame and kept close for a time
till they begin to take with the pots. Then they must be inured to
full exposure, but always protected from frost, although in all other
respects grown in a hard manner. By the end of March, or, should
the weather be cold, the beginning of April, is soon enough to plant
them out, unless in more favoured localities. The ground intended
for them should be trenched and well manured with thoroughly-rotted
dung. Some of the most forward plants should be planted in a border
with a south exposure, on a rather light rich soil. Here they will
succeed those in the glasses. The rest may be planted in the open
quarters, where the earliest of them will follow up those in the early

206 THE GARDENER. [June

border. In performing the operation of planting, circumstances must
determine the exact way in which it is best performed. On heavy
cold soils, upon which it is advisable to tread as little as possible after
it is trenched, I have frequently left the trenching till the time of
planting, and put the plants out as the trenching proceeded. Having
a heap of light rich soil in readiness beforehand, a couple of spadefuls of
it was put round the ball of each plant to give it a start. This may
perhaps be considered a preferable way of doing the work on such
soils, to that of first trenching the ground and then throwing out pits
for the light soil, inasmuch as all treading of the ground is avoided.
In free fine soils there is nothing necessary beyond setting the line
and planting the plant-balls entire in the natural ground. They
should always be planted at such a depth that the soil reaches up to
the first leaves of the plants. Two feet by two is plenty of room for
producing moderate-sized heads. If large ones for the hall be an
object, some of them may be planted wider ; but for all practical pur-
poses, 2 feet by 2 is enough.

In heavy soils, slugs are a great pest if the spring proves wet, and
a few plants should be kept in reserve to make up blanks. Cinder-
ashes, sand, and various other things which slugs do not relish, may
be spread over the soil round each plant to help to check their work ;
but to catch them and kill them is probably the best way of saving the
plants.

Where the ground is exposed to the north and east, it is a good
plan to stick in a stiff sprig or two of Evergreen on those sides of
each plant, to protect them from cutting winds, which often prevail
at that season. As they progress in growth they must be attended
to by drawing a little soil to them, to keep them from becoming loose
at the neck. And if dry, a good watering should be given before they
are moulded up.

To make sure of succession, I have frequently planted some of these
potted plants on a north border, and found them come in very handy,
especially when the season proved hot and dry.

About the middle of February, a sowing should be made in heat to
succeed the autumn-sown plants. The temperature should be from
55° to 60° till they come up, then they should be removed to a dry
cold pit or frame and placed near to the glass, and when about 2
inches in height pricked off into rich soil in a cold frame. Here they
are completely protected from any frost that may occur, but otherwise
hardily reared. These make fine strong plants by May, ready to be
planted out. They should be lifted with good balls, and carefully
planted and attended to with water should the weather be dry, till
they get a good hold of the soil. For summer plantations a good

1869.] THE KITCHEN-GARDEN. 267

liolding well manured and worked loamy soil is the best ; and in dry
sandy soils it is most difficult to prevent a great bulk of the crops
from buttoning if the season prove dry.

To succeed this sowing made in heat, I have usually found it de-
sirable to make another under hand-glasses on a wall border about the
middle of March, and afterwards at intervals of three weeks up to the
middle of June. The plants should always be pricked out into beds
of rich soil as soon as they can be conveniently handled, and before
they become drawn in the seed-bed. They suffer less from the trans-
planting when young than if it be delayed till they form deeper tap-roots.
From the time they are pricked out till they are established in the
garden quarters, they must never be allowed to get a check for want
of water, for if once they become " blue," there is little chance of
their doing well afterwards. This frequent sowing and as frequent
planting is the only way to be sure of keeping up a constant succession
of nice heads fit to present in the dining-room. It is not necessary to
make large plantations, except in the case of the last for the season,
from which a winter supply is expected at least up to Christmas.
The last should therefore be the largest of the plantings, as it comes
in at a cool season, when the heads stand long in good condition, and
can be stored away to keep in quantities.

The time for making the last sowing and planting will require
always to be determined by the climate of different localities. Here
the latest may be delayed till August, but in most places in Scotland
it will require to be planted som^ewhat earlier. By the time the latest
is consumed it is succeeded by that excellent variety of Broccoli known
by the name of Snow's Winter Broccoli, easier known by name
than by experience, although I always manage to get it true.

In light dry soils I have found it a good plan to make sure of good
Cauliflower, in very dry seasons, to plant a few rows among rows of
Pease kept rather wider apart than is common. The Pease afford shade
to the plants, and I have seen them do well when they buttoned exten-
sively in open quarters. The later, and particularly the latest, should
always be in well-exposed situations. It is a practice in England to
take two crops of Cauliflower from the same ground. When those
planted in April in an open quarter are cut, which is generally by the
1st of July, I have frequently trenched or dug the ground and planted
again, and had two good crops in the same place. The latest planting
has generally succeeded the earliest sowing of French Beans and second
early Potatoes.

In keeping up a constant supply of this vegetable, one of the most
necessary auxiliaries is a cool, dry, dark cellar, with its floor, or part
of it at least, covered 6 inches deep with moist sand. When Cauli-

268 THE GARDENER. [June

flower comes in quicker than it can be used, it should be cut — wlien
scarcely so big as is desired for table— with half a foot of the stem
attached, the leaves cut off square with the surface of the flower, and
then stuck into the sand in the cool dark place. In this way they
keep crisp for weeks ; and for saving the late crop when frost sets in, it
is a plan much preferable to that of hanging them up in sheds with
the leaves and stumps attached ; and late in the season particularly, it
is surprising how long they keep in good condition.

As to the best kinds of Cauliflower for different seasons, I think, if
I had to confine myself to one sort, I would choose the Walcheren.
For a summer variety probably the New Frogmore is preferable, inas-
much as it stands longer without opening or running than the Wal-
cheren. These two, with the Early London, are the varieties I confine
myself to. About fifteen or perhaps more years ago, there was a sort
grown about London as Myatt's Cauliflower, w^hich to my mind was
the best I ever saw, but have not seen it true for a good many years.

D. Thomson.

HINTS FOB AMATEURS.-JUNE.

Theee will be much to do in the vegetable garden this month in the way
of planting out (for winter) the main crops of Kale, Broccoli, Brussels
Sprouts, and Savoys; also succession crops of Lettuce, Cabbage, Spin-
ach, and Turnips require frequent attention. Larger breadths of these
may now be sown and planted, as there will be less likelihood of them
running to seed, especially if the ground chosen is cool, and well
prepared with manure. Good soakings of water are also necessary if
the weather is dry. Surface sprinklings given frequently only dis-
appoint : allow good soakings when it is given, and when the surface
becomes dry, the hoe or steel fork should be freely used to prevent
cracking. Liberal mulching, when it can be applied, will give sweet,
crisp, and juicy produce. Before planting, let drills be drawn as for
Pease, which will clear away the dry soil; and when the hoe is used
afterwards (for cleaning as well as surface stirring), the closing in of
the drills will act as an " earthing-up." Two feet apart between the
plants, if the ground is good, will not be too much for strong kinds of
Kale ; and for Broccoli, 2 J feet each way may be allowed. On poor
sandy soil, 18 inches each way may be enough. When planting, let
the roots (not the necks) be firmed moderately. Dipping in a puddle
made with a little soot, red-lead, earth, and water, will in a great
measure prevent the attack of grubs, &c. Vermin are so common in

1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 269

old gardens that it is with difficulty plants can be preserved. A
handful of soot and lime placed round the collars of each plant is a
good old practice. Cabbage may be planted double the thickness
they are intended to remain : every alternate one can be cut out as
soon as fit for use. An early and a later kind, planted plant for
plant, answers well for double cropping, as the early sort can be cut
and used, leaving the late kind to monopolise the ground. Spinach
(not to waste valuable ground) may be sown between any of the
above-mentioned crops, or between rows of fruit-trees. New Zea-
land Spinach, grown on good soil, saves much trouble in keeping up
successions of the round kind. A good breadth of Swedish Turnips
sown towards the end of this month will be found valuable where
sweet crisp Turnips are required all through the winter. It is well to
sow two or three kinds at one time, as a good succession is thus easily
kept up. Red and White Stone and Snowball are great favourites
with us for sowing at this season. Young Carrots can be kept in
succession all through the season. As formerly advised, fresh earth,
free from manure, in some localities is almost indispensable for pro-
ducing Carrots of any kind. Beet should be thinned, and the best of
the thinnings transplanted if required. Onions (except those for pick-
ling). Salsify, Parsnips, and all such plants, if they have been only
partially thinned, should now be finished w^ithout delay : when they
are allowed to become matted at the roots, they are greatly injured by
it. Plant out Leeks in heavily-manured ground ; make good-sized
holes with the dibble, and let a little earth fall to the roots only.
Shallow ridges generally give fine long blanched Leeks. They are
extra feeders, therefore manure (solid and liquid) can hardly be given
too liberally. Potatoes and Cauliflower require plenty of surface stir-
ring with fork or hoe. The latter, if on poor ground, will be greatly
improved by mulching, and a soaking or two of manure- water. Wal-
cheren Broccoli may be sown with all safety in the south for a crop,
but it is often chance work in the north so late in the season. Broad
Beans may still be sown for a late crop if wanted : give mulching and
water to those on light poor ground, and top them to induce pod-
ding. Pease require attention by staking in time: plenty of water may
be necessary if weather, is dry. Top those which may be growing rank,
and if too many are coming in at once, topping will keep them back.
We have seen the shears used for this purpose, but it does not look
well for a time. To keep Pease in bearing, the pods should be taken
off before they ripen, and mulch as formerly advised. Celery may
now be planted for a main crop, giving plenty of manure and abund-
ance of water at the roots : dryness soon stunts the growth, and if
premature seeding does not take place, tough stems are certain.

270 THE GARDENER. [June

Lettuce, sown in rows thinly on the tops of the ridges, is a suitable
crop for such spaces. "When fit to handle, they may be thinned to one
foot apart. Imperial white Cos is still one of the best for summer
crops. Lettuce, like most other kinds of vegetables, are difficult to
get true.

Asparagus should not be cut too late in the season, which would
weaken the roots considerably: dustings of salt will help them.
French Beans and Scarlet Runners may be sown now for a full crop.
Negroe's old dun-coloured are still favourites for late crops. Tulmer's
and Sion House are also good. Newington Wonder, to be sown often
and used quickly, is one of the best, the pods being small, round, and
crisp : they come in great quantities at one time. Ridge Cucumbers
may now be planted out, preparing beds of dung in the ground, throw-
ing the soil right and left, then covering it over the ridge of manure
nearly the thickness of a foot : a little light turfy soil starts the plants
off into free growth. The stems should be trained regularly over the
surface of the ridge, preventing them from becoming matted, pinch-
ing out the tops above the fruit. Similar treatment is required for
Vegetable Marrows. They require less attention. Tomatoes plant
out against walls to be trained w^here space occurs. If a number of
the latest are kept in pots, they will be useful for taking in-doors
when frost shows itself, though they do almost as well in the south,
planted out like potatoes, as on walls, &c. The latter is a simple
method of growing them, and space may be profitably occupied wdth
them.

Strawberries may now be increased by pegging down the layers in
small pots, to be grown on into larger pots, or planted out when suffi-
ciently rooted. A little attention at the beginning will secure an
early and vigorous growth, and fine fruiting plants will be prepared for
bearing next season. Mulch, if not already done, the fruiting plants
for this season. Clean straw is the best material for keeping the fruit
clean, but few are ready to afford it for this purpose. We use the
clean wasted straw from the stable-yard — when well washed by rains,
it is little inferior to ordinary unused straw. Grass is used by some,
but it brings with it endless crops of weeds, and is a harbour for slugs,
&c. The thinning of fruit on walls may be proceeded with now wdth
some degree of safety, but going several times over is much safer
than doing it all at once. Among stone-fruits, the best-exposed and
most vigorous -looking fruits should be left, and if spread regularly
over the whole surface of the tree, so much the better; but where wood
and foliage are strongest, the crop should be left thickest. Peaches
left at the rate of 1 foot apart all over the trees (and much less on
weakly ones) will be a good crop : 9 inches apart is enough for

1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 271

Nectarines, and 6 inches for Plums. Though the latter are often left
much closer, it is at the expense of flavour, colour, and size of fruit.
Pears should also be thinned, as, when too heavy for the amount of
foliage, gritty tasteless fruit only is produced. Thinning of shoots
should be proceeded with gradually, stopping those (even if in their
right position) which are taking the lead : every shoot coming out
straight from the wall should be taken off. Syringe freely with water,
and if insects of any kind attack the foliage, Hellebore powder and a
little soft soap in the water will keep them in check. We have lately
used Clarke's insect-destroyer (at the rate of 2 oz. to the gallon) with
the best results on Peaches and Roses. It is a cleanly thing, and
certain death to whatever insect it comes in contact with. If dry
weather set in, fruit-trees which have been lately planted may require
a soaking of water. Thinning judiciously the shoots of Currants and
Gooseberries would not be labour lost when fine fruit is required.

Ranunculus in flower may be shaded, where a fine display of these
pretty flowers is kept up. Annuals may be sown and planted out to
keep up a succession of these. Thin those requiring it. Bulbs, such
as Hyacinths, Narcissus, Tulips, &c. (which are often allowed to re-
main in the ground all the season), are the better of being taken up
and kept in dry quarters till they are wanted. Keep Auriculas from
rain, and allow them to remain shaded from strong sun till the bloom-
ing period is past. Decayed flowers and seed-pods, except when seed
is wanted, should be kept picked off. Where seed is saved, it should
only be taken from the best kinds, and all inferior flowers destroyed
or kept from flowering near selected kinds. It is often from this
cause that there is so much confusion with sorts, as they become
crossed and entirely changed in character. Pinks, Carnations, &c.,
should now be tied up neatly. Many kinds of herbaceous plants
may require reducing, though this should have been attended to when
digging was going on : it would be better to do it yet, rather than let
the plants smother themselves. Phloxes, Hollyhocks, Dahlias, newly
planted out, and all similar plants requiring stakes, should have it
done effectuall}^ at once. Roses, to keep them free from grubs and
other pests, require to be looked over frequently : hand-picking is
the only effectual method of keeping grubs from destroying the hearts
of the flowers. They curl themselves up in the leaves near the buds,
and feed away at pleasure. Budding of Roses may be performed as
soon as the wood is fit, and buds can be secured. When the bark will
readily peel off, the wood is in order. Cut off the bud with a leaf, and
half an inch of bark, or more, very thinly. Cut a slit an inch long
where the bud is to be placed, which should be as close to the stock
as possible. Cut a cross, the slit forming a cross. With a budding-

272 THE GARDENER. [June

knife raise the bark on both sides, place the bark of the bud in neatly
under the bark of the stock, letting it fit properly. The leaf with the
bud should fit exactly at the cross. Tie the bark of the stock down with
soft matting. Damp moss may be kept over the wound for a time to
help to heal up the union. Various kinds of Roses, which it may be
desirable to increase, can be budded on inferior kinds, or weakly kinds
on strong ones. All plants, such as Geraniums, Verbenas, Heliotropes,
Fuchsias, Stocks, Asters, tfec, planted out for decorating beds and bor-
ders, may require a good watering, should the weather prove very dry,
but the operation cannot be looked upon as anything less than a neces-
sary evil, and should only be done when the plants will not live with-
out it. A good soaking to the whole bed or border will be the most
effectual method of supplying the water, and follow up with the hoe,
stirring every surface, which will act as a mulching. It does great
injury to the soil to puddle in it with either hoe or rake when it is
wet. Peg down any Verbenas, Petunias, or such plants as are liable
to be injured by wind : a good old practice is to cut willows in short
lengths, and bend them like hair-pins. They are sure pegs, and decay
in the ground when done with. Beech pegs often do mischief by pro-
ducino- fungi in the soil. Plants in pots should be plunged when they
are in exposed drying positions. Good waterings at the roots and
overhead are necessary where plants are growing freely. Watering
must never be done by halves, but if rain should come heavy, and con-
tinue for some time, the more tender things out of doors may be laid
on their sides ; but where the plants are in frames, and glass can be
used for protection, much labour will be saved. Keep Cinerarias,
Primulas, and similar plants, cool, and in rather a shady position : a
frame turned to face the north answers well for these. Insects must
be kept down by fumigating with tobacco. Pooly's tobacco-powder,
dusted on the under sides of the leaves, acts severely on thrips and
green -fly. Chrysanthemums must be stopped to keep the plants
bushy. Shift the plants on into larger -sized pots when the roots
reach the sides of those they are in. All plants, such as Heaths,
Epacris, Cytisus, Acacias, and similar kinds, which have been cut
back and are now growing freely, should be shifted on into larger
pots if the roots have filled the soil they are in. Old soil can be re-
duced, and the plants replaced in pots of the same size if desirable.
Sprinkle newly-potted plants overhead, and shade for a time.

M. T.

1869.] NEW PLANTS OF THE PAST MONTH. 273

NEW PLANTS OF THE PAST MONTH.

At the meeting of the Floral Committee on the 20th of April, a very
handsome and striking lot of Amaryllis, of the Hippeastrum group,
were staged by Mr Baxter, gardener to C. Keizer, Esq. of Broxbourne.
First-class certificates were awarded to the following : Madlle. Tietjens,
having a white bar down each segment, with carmine-red on either
side, passing off into carmine veins towards the edge ; Olga, pale rosy
red, with indistinct white central bar, and white edges ; and Alexan-
dra, bright carmine-red, with clear white edge, but wavy on the
edges. One named Duke of Edinburgh, of a deep crimson hue, but
somewhat narrow petaled, received a second-class certificate. There
was a nice freshness and novelty about these flowers, and they were
much admired, just as such glorious decorative j)lants deserve to be.

Of Orchids, the following have received first-class certificates :
Vanda Denisoniana, with white flowers, tinted at the extremities with
sulphur, a very distinct and handsome species, from Messrs Veitch &
Sons. To a very fine spotted variety of Odontoglossum Alexandrse,
which was named Warneri, after Mr Robert Warner, Chelmsford, by
whom it was exhibited. It has the sepals stained with rose, and
marked with a few bold bronzy spots ; the petals broad, white, and
fringed, and the tip yellow at the base, white at the tip, and barred
across the middle with bronze. To Miltonia Virginalis, from Mr B.
S. Williams, a pretty white-flowered species, with a rosy-striped lip.
To a supposed new species of Brassia, but very handsome, and in the
way of B. Maculata, from Messrs Veitch & Sons ; and to flowering
specimens of Dendrobium Xanthophlebium and D. transparens, both
from Mr Sherratt, gardener to James Bateman, Esq., Biddulph
Grange, Congleton.

Messrs Standish & Co., Bagshot, received a first-class certificate for
Struthiopteris Orientalis, a very handsome half-hardy Japanese Fern,
of bold and vigorous growth. Messrs Veitch & Sons also exhibited
that lovely creeping basket Fern, Davalia hemiptera, obtained by
them from Borneo some time since, and which had already been awarded
a first-class certificate.

Messrs Standish & Co. also exhibited some promising and handsome
seedling Rhododendrons, one of which, named Madlle. Christine Nillsson,
white, the upper petals spotted with reddish brown, was very attractive ;
also a free-growing Acer, named Japonicum variegatum, thought to be
one of the platanoides section, the leaves fringed, and blotched with
white, but which was requested to be shown again ; and two new
double-flowering Pelargoniums — viz., Marie Lemoine, bright rose, and
Wilhelm Pfitzer, brilliant scarlet, the flowers large and full.

274 THE GARDENER. [June

Croton Wrigleyanum variegatum, a sport from Croton variegatum,
was exhibited by Mr John Shaw, Manchester. The leaves have a
central flame of cream, and bear a strong resemblance to one of
Messrs Veitch & Sons' new kinds. As the plants were small, it was
requested to be sent again. Both Messrs Veitch & Sons, as well as
Mr Bull, have exhibited plants of Achyranthes (Iresine) acuminatus,
evidently a sport from Herbstii, but with leaves more acuminate. It
differs only in the form of the leaf, and there was observed on the
part of a few leaves a tendency to revert to the old sharply-rounded
form.

A small-growing but handsome Palm, named Geonoma zamorensis,
from Mr W. Bull, received a first-class certificate — it promises to be a
valuable decorative plant ; and the same award was made to Podocar-
pus Mika variegata, a plant that is said to thrive in almost every
garden in Japan, but a greenhouse plant in this country.

From Mr C. Noble, Bagshot, came a group of early-flowering Cle-
matises adapted for spring blooming, and raised from a cross between
C. Standishi and C. Fortunei, growing as nice blooming bushes in
pots. First-class certificates were awarded to Albert Victor, delicate
mauve, the flowers large, stout, and circular ; and to Miss Bateman, a
kind of silver-tinted flower, of very fine quality. There were several
others, but in a state of immature development, and it was requested
they should be seen again.

A first-class certificate was also awarded to Messrs Veitch & Sons
for Primula cortusoides amoena lilacina, which was remarkable for its
flatly-expanded, neatly-fringed segments, and soft pale lilac colour,
the back of the flowers being of a deeper hue : it was a capital addition
to these charming flowers. The same award was made to Mr Watson,
Hammersmith, for a fine white early-forcing Pink, very pure in colour,
the flowers large and full. It was named Alba multiflora. Mr C.
Turner, of Slough, received the same award for Azalea Madame Van-
der Cruyssen, of a deep rosy pink hue, the flowers large and bold and
freely produced, but somewhat rough on the edges. As the habit was
extremely good, it promises to make a fine and telling exhibition
flower. Mr Turner also received first-class certificates for two fine and
bold alpine Auriculas named Brunette and Constellation, both having
fine maroon crimson edges, the paste bright yellow. The same award
was made to Mr J. Butcher, Camberwell, for Auricula Mrs Butcher, a
fine grey-edged variety, of excellent properties.

A most interesting sport from Coleus Blumei was shown by Messrs
Downie, Laird, & Laing, which, if it should prove robust, promises to
become the progenitor of a new race of these valuable decorative plants.
The leaves were of a pale whitish-green hue, and had the dark marking

1869.] THE MULBERRY. 275

peculiar to tliis species, but this was margined with bright carmine-red,
something like the zone of a white-edged variegated Zonal Pelargonium.
It is to be hoped that this remarkable sport may be preserved.

E. D.

THE MULBERRY.

A ' Subscriber ' in the ' Gardener ' for January (page 48) wishes for
some information respecting the propagation of the Mulberry, and how
to increase its fruit-bearing habits at any earlier age than usual.
Perhaps the following observations on its culture may be of use to him
and others who have had no experience in raising plants for the early
fruiting of this very rich and desirable fruit for the dessert. When I
first came to Welbeck in 1837, I was much struck with some large
flower-pots perched on the tops of two standard Mulberry-trees, and
imagined they were placed there for some species of birds to build
their nests in. On asking the late Mr Mearns (who was my predecessor
as gardener there), he informed me that the late Andrew Knight of
Downton Castle always used to raise his fruiting-trees of Mulberries
in that way. Mr Mearns likewise informed me that Mr Knight found
out that, by propagating the Mulberry in the usual way, it required
from twenty to thirty years' growth before it would fruit abundantly
even in the south of England. I paid particular attention to these
little Mulberry-bushes, and, when perfectly rooted, had two of them in
a fruiting state for many years, by shifting them, and growing them in
large tubs. Mr Mearns's trees were propagated by layering a smaU
fruiting-branch into the pot, and the pot afterwards fastened with
strong wire to a branch or stake to keep the wind from shaking it.
I believe the best way to produce a large fruiting-bush of the Mulberry
would be to have a large flower -pot made into two halves, and
when the branch was put in at the hole in the bottom of the pot, the
pot could then be bound together and fastened to a strong stake ; the
pot would then have to be filled with earth of a strong loamy nature,
and some fresh moss placed on the top and pegged down to keep the
wind from blowing it off. This moss would keep the soil moist, for
watering would be required in the summer months in dry weather.

In the midland counties in England it is only in exceptionally warm
summers, such as 1846, '65, and '68, that standard Mulberries produce
fruit ripe enough to use. The two standard trees from which the pot
bushes were raised were planted by the celebrated Speechley, and
must have been about 110 years old when I first knew them. Another

T

276 THE GARDENER, [June

tree of the same age was denuded of all its branches by Mr Mearns
(except two at the top), and planted on a high south wall. He began
training all the young branches downwards from the two leaders, and
they soon got into a fruitful state, and produced fine fruit. No doubt
a sunken pit where Asparagus was forced in helped this tree's growth,
for its roots came close to the wall where the hot dung-linings were put
in. In 1858, when the new gardens were made, I had this tree
lifted with a machine, and planted in nearly a similar aspect, but
without the advantage of its roots being heated in spring. Every
year since it has never failed in bearing fine fruit, but in the past
summer they were larger and finer than I ever remember to have
seen Mulberry fruit even in the south of England. The tree covers a
large space, and was worthy of being covered with Nottingham netting,
which I had to do to save the fruit from birds, wasps, and flies.

William Tillery.

DIFFICULTIES.

A WORD TO YOUNG GARDENERS.

{Continued from page 129.)

It was with genuine heartfelt pleasure that I read the remarks made
by our Editor in the March number of the ' Gardener ' as to the
education of young gardeners. I shall anxiously look forward to his
promised opinion on that interesting subject, not because I am
personally acquainted with him, but because I know him to be a
gardener — using the latter word in its fullest sense — and his great
experience will add additional weight to his ideas. I must again
mention a few more of the young gardener's difficulties — I mean the
hindrances that present themselves to those gardeners who work hard
and study hard, who are earnestly striving to climb the " tree of
knowledge," instead of being content to lounge round its base, and be
elbowed and jostled by those ignorant loafers whose only aim in ap-
proaching it at all is to laugh derisively at the slips and failures of
those who are engaged in ascending its slippery trunk. The road to
knowledge may be likened to our attempting to climb a tall stately
monarch of the forest. At the first onset we find it difficult to ascend,
we have but few branches to assist us up its smooth sides, and what we
have are extremely slender; but as with perseverance our store of
knowledge increases, we find the simple facts we at first knew gradually
expand or enlarge by becoming amalgamated with other nearly related
facts, thus forming stronger branches, by the aid of which the climbing

1869.] DIFFICULTIES. 277

of our typical tree is rendered more pleasant and comparatively easy
to what it was when its stem was smooth and free from such friendly
supporting aids. Then, again, as we press upwards we collect new
facts, which help to fill up the spaces that exist between those already
collected, thus lessening the distance — the intervening spaces that are
so difficult to climb. It is easy to climb the smoothest tree when the
trunk or bole is covered with branches on which to rest our feet or cling
with our hands ; so it is with us in obtaining knowledge : at the first
onset it is diflScult, but as our minds become stored with facts we find
it simplified, until our intellectual powers gradually develop them-
selves ; and when they have done so to a certain extent, we find it com-
paratively easy to proceed onwards.

One of the difficulties that under-gardeners have to contend with is
the low wages which that class, as a general rule, obtain in return for
their services. The author of this article, at fifteen years of age,
started as " crock-boy " in a private garden with a salary of 6s. per
week ; out of this sum he paid 2s. per week to the head-gardener by
way of premium, and Is. per week for a bed. Some people object to
a young man paying a premium, and will even venture to assert that
a head-gardener has no right to take one from those under him.
I must maintain that he has, providing that his employer allows
him to do so, and he himself is fully comjyetent to teach them the
true principles of our noble calling ; more than this, if every head-
gardener were to insist upon a premium of 2s. or 3s. per week being
paid to them, it would be at least one way — a very effectual one, I
think — of obtaining only such young men into our gardens as have a
real love for the profession, which, it must be owned, is sadly encum-
bered with come-day-go-day sort of fellows, who care nothing for
either the science or practice of gardening. I am very much mis-
taken if many of these lethargic characters would consent to pay
for instructions they do not require, or rather do not wish to be
troubled with, even though they were to be had for nothing. I
am perfectly well aware that to make a young man pay a weekly
premium is to place a difficulty in his path ; but, at the same time,
if the gardener were competent to teach, and performed his duty
in a straightforward and proper manner, the young man would
eventually become convinced that after all it was a difficulty he
had done well in surmounting. Again, if a gardener would endeavour
to approach perfection in his calling, he must know something at least
of the theoretical portion of it, notwithstanding that there are some
who would have us believe — in fact, have attempted to prove — that
the theory of horticulture is neither necessary nor useful to the young
gardener. I, with due respect to their opinions, must contend that a

278 THE GARDENER. [June

knowledge of speculative principles or theory is useful. The most
illiterate horticulturist, the most ignorant of gardeners, daily em-
ploys it. Is it possible for a man to perform any common operation
without speculating as to what results will be obtained thereby? If,
then, he speculates at all as to the effect or effects to be produced by
certain operations of which he himself is the primary cause, most as-
suredly that man employs theory ; for are we not duly informed that
theory is a speculative plan or scheme 1 Then, again, if a certain
amount of theory is not essential, not useful, not of importance, how
comes it that it is so commonly employed and advocated by some of
the leading horticulturists of the present day ? How is it that our
examination pajDers are almost entirely made up of theoretical questions ?
The gardener who possesses a goodly store of demonstrative knowledge,
coupled with practical skill, is certainly superior to the one that is
content with mere habitual practice.

Because practical knowledge may to some extent exist alone, it does
not immediately follow that such knowledge is superior to practical
and scientific knowledge in a judicious state of combination.

The young gardener must learn his profession by precept as well
as by mere habitual practice, or his difiiculties, as I said before, will
be many, and, moreover, of a kind and character not easy to be re-
moved from his path. As the young man attempts to improve him-
self, he will continually meet with hindrances and difficulties ; but by
persevering industry they will be overcome sooner or later ; and after
conquering one difficult problem, he will find himself better able to
master the next that presents itself. And after all this persevering
study and application to practice, what will be our recompense ? shall
we obtain more wages than those who do not study at all ? In all
probability we shall not : the best man does not always, as a rule,
succeed in obtaining the best situation ; this statement applies more
particularly to private establishments, for in some Government situa-
tions, when a vacancy occurs, an examination is held — in such cases
as these a man reaps all the benefit of his youthful study.

It must be accepted as a general fact that every operation per-
formed in a garden is to produce or to assist in producing some par-
ticular effect. I say assist, because, to obtain some ultimate results
in horticulture (as in other sciences) — the production of a Pine-apple,
for example — we must employ several different operative causes — such
as proper soil, heat, moisture, light, and air — all of which are causes
that must act in union, in harmonious union, before the end sought
after is gained. Now, to thoroughly understand the particular parts
performed by these various causes is not such an easy matter after
all. Some considerable progress must have been made, many diffi-

1869.] NAILS VERSUS STUDS. 279

culties trampled under our feet, before we are able to understand
and explain correctly how each ^j>(2rf/cM?ar cause acts individually,
and the whole collectively^ in order to produce the desired result.
Yet this is what every gardener should be able to do. If he in his
practice does nothing more than imitate others more skilled than him-
self— imitate their actions, without comprehending the principles that
govern them — if he does no more than this, he is not worthy of the
name of gardener.

My advice to all young gardeners is, " Work and learn '' — learn prac-
tice, and also those laws or principles that govern it, and that ought in
every case to regulate it.

In my next I intend to give, for the benefit of young and aspiring
gardeners, some information respecting gardeners' examinations, and
the " difficulties " to be contended with in order to obtain *•' certi-
ficates of merit." Up to the present time but few have troubled to
attend these emulating contests except from the public gardens near
the metropolis. F. W. B.

NAILS VERSUS STUDS.

It may not be inappropriate at the present season, when the subject is
being treated of at length in the ' Gardener,' to make a few remarks
on the materials in use for training wall-trees. This part of the
subject which I have chosen may no doubt appear to many to be
somewhat trivial, but nevertheless it is one which requires a little
consideration, as it involves a question of time and labour, two things
of which we cannot be too economical. On this very subject I have
many a time wondered how many far-seeing men, who are often just
hard enough pinched to make ends meet as regards labour, could
waste several months in getting done with the training of their wall-
fruit, when it might almost have been done in as many weeks. In
many establishments, and more particularly in the southern portion of
the kingdom, when the walls are being built, and while the mortar is
yet soft, studs are pushed into it with the lines of brick, at perhaps
a foot distant from each other, those in one line being alternate with
those in the next, and so on. Two reasons are generally assigned for
their use : first, as a preventive against harbouring insect-vermin
about the trees ; and again, as having a more tidy appearance than
nails and shreds. I must confess that I am rather sceptical on both
points, at least so far as experience has hitherto taught me to believe ;
and on comparison of the two systems, I should without hesitation
give my vote in favour of the nails. In the first place, the studs put

280 THE GARDENER. [June

in at first are always insufficient for their purpose, at least in training
young or pliable wood. The branches must not be trained along the
line of studs, or a likely consequence would be that the wood will get
grown about them, if tied tightly ; and if tied loosely, they cannot be
close to the wall, and the winds would be liable to throw them loose
altogether. The ties being done with matting, are not to be depended
on for bearing much strain the second year. As the branches are
taken between the two rows of studs, therefore each tie is about 4
inches in length ; and if the piece of matting used be at all stout, it will
in my opinion be more unsightly than a neat shred, which can be
nailed close to the branch, and yet not be so tight as to cut into it
during its growth. Stand a few yards in front of a wall done in this
fashion, and from which a tree has just been taken ; extra studs have
been put in from time to time, and of course these cannot be driven
deep, not often one-third of their length ; well, there they are, each
head of them three times the size of a nail-head. Then they cannot
be drawn well. It is easy to give a nail a tap on the head, give a
twist and draw it out ; but try a lot of studs in the same way, if you
don't smash the eye you break it off short with the wall, or if you
draw it, out comes half an inch or even more of the lime along with
it. Sometimes you can draw, without much breakage, some of the
extra-strong sorts, but these require no pointing out to show their
unloveliness. On calculating the difference of the two pieces of metal,
you will find that to do a tree properly, about thrice the time is
required to do it with the studs ; and take into account the extra
labour and cost, there will remain a pretty round balance in favour of
the nail. Every nail can be drawn from a piece of blank wall, and
come again into use ; with studs, the originals must remain while the
wall lasts — a continual eyesore where not filled up — and of the rest
the one-half will be useless by breakage. As for the harbouring of
insects, I have never yet seen the difference, so I think that may go
for nothing.

But on looking over, I find that I have said a great deal on a very
small subject — not too much, however ; and I trust it may have the
consideration of all gardeners, to whom time and labour are important
objects. E. S.

HORTICULTURAIi EXHIBITION'S.

Royal Botanic Society, Regent's Park, April 27. — This was the second of the
small spring shows, but so meagre was the tent room provided that a good many
of the plants had to be placed in the conservatory, and visitors came upon them
quite unexpectedly in nooks and corners, and quite away from other groups of a

1869.] HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. 281

like character. It was very hot, too — quite a foretaste of the summer ; and the
company were glad to get under the shade of the umbrageous trees, where the
band discoursed sweet music.

Roses in pots were the chief feature, and they were very fine. Two splendid
collections, of nine varieties each, were staged by Mr W. Paul, Waltham Cross,
and Messrs Paul & Son, Cheshunt, and the awards were bestowed in the order of
the names. The Tea Roses in each collection were specially fine. Mr Paul had
Senateur Vaisse, Glory of Waltham, John Hopper, Pierre Notting, and Baronne
Adolphe de Rothschild, Hybrid Perpetuals; Paul Ricaut, Bourbon; and Souvenir
d'Eiise Varden, Madame de St Joseph, and Alba Rosea, Tea-scented. Messrs
Paul & Son had splendid examples of the following Tea Roses, — Celine Fores-
tier, President, Madame Willermoz, Souvenir d'un Ami, Souvenir d'Eiise, and
Madame Margottin ; and of Hybrid Perpetuals, — Madame Theresa Levet, Made-
moiselle Marie Rady, Madame Victor Verdier, and Princess Mary of Cambridge.
Mr W. Paul was also first with three new varieties, having fine examples of
Antoine Ducher, Horace Vernet, and Monsieur Furtado ; Messrs Paul & Sou
being second with Imperatrice Charlotte, Monsieur Furtado, and Madame
Margottin. There were also some plants from amateur growers, as well as cut
blooms, but they did not call for any special notice.

Excepting Mr Turner's six plants of half-standard Azaleas, which were nearly
identical with those shown at South Kensington, the others were very poor ; but
who would care to bring out good plants on such a day to compete for miserably
small prizes ? Mr Turner was placed first, and a third prize was awarded to some
one. There was a much better competition with six foliage and fiowering plants,
and equal first prizes were awarded to Mr G. Fairbairn, The Gardens, Sion
House, and to Mr G. Wheeler, gardener to Sir F. Goldsmid, Regent's Park.
In Mr Fairbairn's collection were grand specimens of Alocassia Zebrina and
Anthurium acaule ; also examples of Sobralia macrantha, Vanda tricolor, and
Phalsenopsis amabilis. Mr Wheeler furnished an exceedingly well grown and
well flowered specimen of Chorozema cordatura splendens, about 4 feet through ;
good examples of Eriostemon linearifolius and Clerodendron Thomsonse ; a fine
Dicksonia Antarctica, and a rather poor Alocassia metallica. Mr D. Wright, gar-
dener to C. H. C. Roberts, Esq., St John's Wood, and Mr A. Wilkie, The
Gardens, Oak Lodge, Addison Road, Kensington, also exhibited.

There were also good exotic Ferns from several sources, a decent lot of French
spotted Pelargoniums from Messrs Dobson & Son, and some Zonal varieties from
Mr George Wheeler, trained like fioricultural pancakes, without a trace of free-
dom or natural grace. From such absurdities may common-sense speedily
deliver us !

Mr Baxter, gardener to C. Keizer, Esq., Broxbourne, sent six splendid
Amaryllis, very rich and handsome, named respectively Olga, Beauty of Brox-
bourne, Alexandra, Edmund Sibeth, Mrs Sibeth, and Othello, quite new in
character, and very novel. Mr James of Isle worth, and Mr Bragg of Slough, had
Pansies, and the former had Calceolarias representing his own fine strain ; Messrs
Dobson & Son, and Reeves Brothers, of Notting Hill, had Cinerarias and Lily
of the Valley.

The florist found much of special interest in the fine lot of Auriculas staged by
Mr C. Turner. In point of massiveness, of rich colouring, and the most desired
variation, the magnificent group of some fifty Alpine Auriculas from Mr Turner
quite eclipsed the old show kinds, though among the last there were a few flowers
of excellent quality. In the nurseryman's class for show Auriculas, Mr Turner,
who was the only exhibitor, received the first prize for Colonel Champneys, Miss

282 THE GARDENER. [June

Brightley, and Countess of Dunmore, edged flowers ; and Constellation, Eclat, and
Chieftain, belonging to the Alpine class. In the amateurs' class, Mr James of
Isleworth was first with some flowers that were much past their best.

First-class certificates were awarded to Mr J. Butcher for Mrs Butcher, a very
fine green-edged variety ; and to Mr Turner for two very fine Alpine varieties
named Constellation and Brunette. The same award was also made to Mr B.
S. Williams for Miltonia Virginalis, a jDretty white-flowered species, with a pretty
rosy-striped lip. Baskets of new Variegated Pelargoniums were contributed by
Messrs Carter & Co. that were quite a special feature, being varied in character,
and very healthy and well coloured.

Royal Horticultural Society's Third Spring Show, May 8. — Roses were
the main feature here, some capital plants being produced, small in size, bushy,
and generally having an abundance of bloom. With nine kinds, Mr William
Paul was first ; Mr C. Turner, second ; and Messrs Paul and Son, third. Some
dissatisfaction has been expressed about the judgment in this class ; but it does
appear as if more complaints are made, whether rightly or wrongly, respecting
the awards made to Roses, than to any other flower. It is to be regretted, as
charges of unfairness or partiality on the part of the judges have an injurious
efl'ect on Exhibitions, and are apt to deter some from exhibiting. The best
Roses were Mar^chal Niel, very fine; Beauty of Waltham, grand ; Charles Law-
son, ditto ; John Hopper, Madame Damaizin, in splendid condition ; Souvenir
d'un Ami, large and fine : these, with Coeur de Lion, Paul Ricaut, and Anna
Alexieff", made up the first nine. Of these it is said by one who most freely criticises
the judgment, that " the whole of the plants in this lot were well matched, the
individual flowers being large in size, in combination with beautifully fresh
foliage." In Mr Turner's group were Leopold Hausberg, a fine large globular rosy-
pink variety ; Celine Forestier, very fine ; Marguerite de St Arnaud ; Charles Law-
son, with upwards of twenty expanded flowers, beautifully fresh ; Dr Andry, and
Souvenir d'un Ami, also very fine. Madame Margottin, Madame Eugene Appert,
and Madame Victor Verdier, all very good, completed the group. With a single
specimen, Mr Turner took the lead, having that flne old Tea Rose, Madame de
St Joseph ; Mr W. Paul came next with Le Rhone. Mr Turner was also first
with twelve new kinds of 1867 or 1868, having Baronness A. de Rothschild,
delicate peach, large and full, a lovely rose ; Duchesse d'Aoste, deep rose ;
Clotilde Rolland, blush, with a deeper coloured centre, very full ; President
Willermoz, bright rose ; and Miss Ingram, pale blush. These were the best.
Among the others were La France, Madame Alice Dureau, Pitord, Souvenir de
Francois Pousard, Marie Cirodde, and Peine du ]\Iidi, but all these were more or
less rough, and the same remark holds good of several of these in Mr W. Paul's
collection. The best of this group appeared to be Vicomtesse de Vezins, bright
pink, with a salmon pink centre ; Baronness A. de Rothschild, President Willer-
moz, Duchesse d'Aoste, and two of the new Tea Roses — Jean Pernet, yellow ;
and Reine du Portugal, yellow, shaded with copper. The amateurs' Roses were
not worth a notice.

In addition there were groups of Roses in pots, and boxfuls of cut blooms, some
of the last being very fine, especially Marechal Niel, Madame Marie Cirodde,
Belle de Bordeaux, Madame Pauline Labonte, Celine Forestier, Climbing Devon-
iensis, and Gloire de Dijon.

Then there were Auriculas, generally the Alpine kinds ; some Polyanthuses,
Rhododendrons, Pansies in pots and cut blooms. Calceolarias, Tulips, &c., and,
what is too seldom seen at flower-shows nowadays. Ranunculuses.

1869.] HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. 283

A very excellent feature was the collections of Alpine plants in six boxes, each
one foot squai'e. Mr Ware, of Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, took the lead,
exhibiting a numerous collection, of which the most beautiful were Erinus hir-
sutus, Aubrietia Campbelli and Grteca, Saxifraga granulata, Phlox stolonifera, Phlox
subulata Nelsoni, Phlox subulata frondosa, the intense blue Lithospermum pros-
tratum, Sempervivum arachnoideum, Chelidonium majus, and Phlox setacea. The
surface of the soil in these boxes was strewed with stones. Messrs Salter, who
took the second prize, had the soil carpeted with Mentha Corsica, Thymus serpyl-
lum lanuginosus, Sedum glaucum, Saxifraga hypnoides minor, Acena Novse Zea-
landiae, and Arenaria Balearica. The ground covering of these was neatly studded
over with a variety of plants, such as the Aucuba-leaved Daisy, Aubrietias, Saxi-
fragas, Sempervivums, Sedums, and Lysimachia nemorum variegata. Mr Ware
also exhibited in the miscellaneous class a fine collection, for which he obtained a
second prize, containing three beautiful basketfuls of Phlox subulata frondosa, and
the same number of Alyssum saxatile compactum, together with hardy ornamen-
tal-leaved plants.

The Grand National Horticultural Exhibition at Manchester, May 14

to 21 This is now the great Horticultural Exhibition of the Midland districts,

and its annual recurrence is looked forward to, not only as a great feast of Flora,
but also as a gathering of the horticultural brotherhood ; for they come to
Manchester from all parts of the kingdom to clasp hands, and hold that inter-
course so sweet and pleasant to those who in plants and flowers find
" Histories that stir the heart with deeper feeling."

The ' Manchester Examiner and Times ' thus sketched a general glance at
the Exhibition : — " In general plan, the display was a repetition of the exhibi-
tions of previous years, but it presents many peculiar and novel features which
could not fail to interest the connoisseurs in plant-growing ; while, for the sight-
seeing multitude, the immense variety of subjects exhibited, and the many rich
effects produced by judicious grouping, afforded abundant entertainment. The
great tent — which we may call the landscape tent — was the principal attraction.
It was so arranged as to present the semblance of a garden, though it would
be simply impossible to render any garden covered only by the sky so gorgeous
with colour, or so daintily furnished with elegant forms of vegetation. The
substructure of the whole consists of grass banks and mounds, intersected with
gravel walks. These banks and mounds were covered with plants of many kinds,
the most conspicuous and attractive being the immense groups of pot Roses,
Azaleas, and Pelargoniums, the intensely rich colours of which were subdued and
harmonised by groups of Ferns, there being amongst the latter many Tree Ferns,
which spread their ample leafage overhead, and compel admiration by their ex-
quisite tracery and refreshing colours. In the conservatory or show-house, the
choicer plants of tropical and sub-tropical regions were displayed ; and here the
plant-grower j)ar excellence found, undoubtedly, much to delight him. The tent
adjoining the exhibition-house is principally occupied with humbler subjects, but
amongst these are many of the most select and popular of the tenants of the
garden : on one hand, groups of the most beautiful Alpine flowers and hardy
plants of the wood sides ; on the other, the best of the tricolour-leaved Ger-
aniums.

" The contest which, perhaps, most of all interested the hahituh of flower-
shows was that for the special prize of £50, offered by Mr B. S. Williams, of
London, for the best group of fifty plants, which was supplemented by the

284 THE GARDENER. [June

Society's offer of £25 for the second-best group. "We must record our satisfaction
that neither of these prizes have been carried off by exhibitors who might in any
way be spoken of as strangers. The genius loci is propitiated ; for Mr Baines,
gardener to Mr H. Micholls, of Bowdon, takes the giant's share, doing a giant's
work for it; and the second prize is awarded to Mr Dixon of Beverley. Mr
Micholls's group of fifty plants well deserves the distinction of a first place in this
great show."

This almost matchless group consisted of the following Azaleas : Coronata
and Magnificent, both splendid indeed, the last named in a rich flower robe of
radiant white, that glistened like chastened silver, as if

" From the seat of God
A ray upon, its garments shone ; "

Stella, Empress Eugenie, Iveryana, and Stanleyana, Clerodendron Balfouri
and C. Thomsoua3, Ixoras, Amboyensis, Aurantica, and Coccinea, the last very
fine; Cyathea dealbata, C. Smithi, C. medularis, Dicksonias Antarctica, and
Antarctica pendula; Sarracenias flava, Flava species. Purpurea, Drummondii
alba, and a fine species unnamed. Verschaffeltii splendida and Stevensonia
grandiflora, two splendid Palms. Ericas — Ventricosa coccinea minor, Tricolor
Wilsoni, and Depressa. Epacrises — Eclipse, very fine, and Grandiflora ; Alocassia
metallica, Dipladenia crassanoda, Cattleya intermedia, Francisca confertiflora,
Cordyline indivisa, Crotons angustifolium and variegatum, both very fine ; Aphel-
exis Sessamoides, and A. macrantha purpurea ; Eriostemon nerifolium, finely
flowered, and E. intermedium ; Borouia pinnata, a splendid specimen, one of the
most finished plants in the group ; Acrophyllum venosum, Theophrasta imperi-
alis, llhopala corcovadense, and Dasylirion acrostichum. Mr W. E. Dixon,
Beverley, was second with a good group of plants, but much inferior to those staged
by Mr Baines. Mr Sam Mendels's special prize of £20, for the best collection of
ten Cape Heaths in flower, was won by Messrs E. Cole & Sons, Withington,
Manchester, with a fine lot of plants, but not sufficiently advanced in bloom. The
best kinds were Ampullacum obbata, Ventricosa magnifica, Massoni major, and
Aristata superba. The special prize, given by Mr W. Cunliffe Brooks, for the best
twelve Roses in flower, was won by Messi's Lane & Son, with large plants very
well grown and flowered, but related too much to the past of Rose-showing rather
than to the present. Mr B. S. Williams was first with the special prize given
by C. F. Beyer, Esq., for eight Cycads ; having two Cycads, three Zamias, two
Encephalartos, and one Ceratozamia. The special prizes for a miscellaneous col-
lection of bedding and hardy plants brought a capital collection from Messrs G.
and W. Yates, Manchester, being in small square boxes, a good assortment com-
prising Pelargoniums of all kinds, Centaureas, Tropseolums, Petunias, variegated
plants, &c. The hardy shrubs in flower were very poor, and the judges wisely
withheld the first prize in consequence.

The Azaleas contributed by both amateur growers and nurserymen were a
conspicuous feature of the show, the plants generally of large size, and well
flowered, but some unnaturally formal in appearance. The kinds were identical
with these generally seen grown as specimens. Pelargoniums were well done,
excepting that the large flowering kinds contained too many of the older
French kinds, besides not being sufficiently advanced in bloom. The Fancies
were admirably grown, and had good heads of flower. The Zonal kinds were
well done by Mr Fleming, gardener to R. Houghton, Esq., Liverpool, who
had excellent plants of William Underwood, Cybister, Miss Parfitt, Amy Hogg,
Eugene Mezard, Amelina Grisau, Softness, pale soft pink, and Alexandria.

1869.] HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. 285

Stove, greenhouse, ornamental-foliaged plants, and Palms were fine features,
some of the latter doing good service in the way of affording relief to the
gaily-coloured Azaleas, &c. Specially noticeable were Goniophlebium subauric-
ulatum and Gymnogramma Peruviana argyrophylla, two very fine greenhouse
Ferns ; and an extremely well coloured specimen of Hedaroma tulipifera.
There were also large collections of Conifera, of variegated Pelargoniums, some
Cinerarias, &c., but nothing calling for special remark.

The Orchids contained some things of fine quality, as Manchester is a district
where these grand plants are becoming extensively grown. There was a good
contest in the class for ten Orchids in flower, the first prize going to Mr "VV.
Swain, gardener to Thomas Jones, Esq. , Whalley Range, Manchester, and the
second to Dr Ainsworth, Lower Broughton. The best collection of sixteen plants.were
not only well grown, but comprised some rare and valuable varieties. Particularly
worthy of notice were the following : Phalgenopsis Luddemanniana, with sixteen
flowers expanded, and about as many more in bud ; Camarotis purpurea, a pretty
miniature fox-brush Orchid ; Cattleya "Wagneri, a sumptuous Mexican plant, with
immense flowers of the purest white ; a fine variety of the well-known and lovely
Cattleya Mossise, called Aurantiaca, on account of the deep orange stain of the
labellum ; and Dendrobium Devonianum, the flowers of which are peculiarly like
butterflies upon the wing. Dr Ainsworth has a beautiful group, comprising,
amongst others, flne examples of Trichopilia crispa, nicely-finished lady-slipper
Orchids, and the curious Dendrobium Parishi, the ugly leafless stems of which
resemble slow-worms, save and except that they are clothed with lovely mauve-
tinted flowers.

There were not many novelties shown, but the few were good. Messrs Veitch
& Son had two new vai'ieties of Crotons, the leaves of which are sumptuously
variegated with bars and lines of the richest gold yellow. That one of the most
virulent drugs should be yielded by such elegant plants is scarcely a singular
circumstance, for a considerable proportion of the most beautiful members of the
vegetable kingdom are pronounced in chemical qualities. But the consideration
adds somewhat to the interest with which one views and criticises such plants as
Croton Hilli, the leaves of which are richly painted with shades of bronze, and
yellow, and red ; or Croton Wisemanni, the narrow leaves of which have a central
stripe of the clearest yellow, and more or less of transverse veins of the same
colour. A new "flax-lily," named, after Bishop Colenso, Phormium Colensoi,
will attract the attention of cultivators who value fine-foliaged plants that can be
grown to perfection in cool greenhouses ; and Dracena Moorei merits attention as
a valuable addition to the useful class of plants adapted for table decoration, its
large chocolate-coloured leaves having an agreeable appearance under gaslight.

FRUIT.

Of fruit the display was not extensive, but, with the exception of some of the
Pines, it was of great excellence. The Black Hamburg Grapes from Lord Wharn-
cliffe's and Lord Bagot's were all that could be desired. Mr Smith, gardener to Mr
H. Walker, near Liverpool, showed a splendid fruit of the Black Prince Pine.
There was but one collection of six sorts of fruit, which came from Lord Carring-
ton's, and got the first prize. The following is the-prize list, slightly abridged : —

Special Prizes (open to all).

by B. S. Wil- I best and most

1, by the Man- I plants, not less 1

Chester Botanical Society. For the ! ing plants, and not more than eight

First prize presented by B. S. Wil- I best and most eSective group of fifty
Hams, London ; second, by the Man- I plants, not less than twenty-five flower-

286

THE GARDENER.

[June

Orchids in the twenty-five: Isb prize,
£50; 2d prize, £25—1. H. L. Micholls
liowden (gardener, Mr Baines) ; 2. Mr
Dixou, Beverley.

First prize presented by Sam Mendel ;
second, Manchester Botanical Society.
Ten Cape Heaths in flower, distinct :
1st prize, £20; 2d prize, £10 — 1. Messrs
E. Cole & Sons ; 2. Thomas Hopson.

First prize presented by William
Cuuliflfe Brooks ; second, Manchester
Botanical Society. Twelve Roses in
flower, distinct : 1st prize, £20 — 1.
Messrs Lane & Sons, Birkhampstead.

First prize presented by C. F, Beyer ;
second, Manchester Botanical Society.

Eight Cycads, distinct— 1. B. S. WH-
liams, Holloway, London.

Miscellaneous Collection of Bedding
and Hardy Plants— Messrs G. & W.
Yates, Manchester.

Four Bunches of Grapes — 1. Lord
Bagot ; 2. Bishop of Manchester ; extra,
W. W. Worswich.

Six Pine-Apples— 1. H. Walker; 2.
J. Wallace.

Twelve Hardy Shrubs in flov^^er — 1.
Not awarded ; 2. Messrs G. & W,
Yates.

One Brace of Cucumbers — 1. Thomas
Statter, Stand ; 2. John Cameron.

Amateurs' Prizes.

Sixteen Exotic Orchids in flower,
distinct— 1. Mr Thos. Jones ; 2, Dr
Ainsworth, Lower Broughton.

Eight Exotic Orchids in flower, dis-
tinct—1. J. H. Fernley; 2. ^Y. C.
Bird; 3. Thos. Jones.

One Exotic Orchid in flower — 1. Mr
G. Gottschalkes ; 2. Dr Ainsworth.

Three Pots of Lilium Auratum in
flower — 1. Not awarded ; 2. Mr T.
Jones.

Ten Miscellaneous Plants, distinct —

1. Mr Thos. KendaU ; 2. Mr T. Hob-
son ; 3. Mr S. Schloss.

Twelve Stove and Greenhouse Plants
in flower, distinct — 1. Sir James Watts;

2. Mr John Stevenson.

Six Stove and Greenhouse Plants in
flower, distinct— 1. Mr T. Kendal; 2.
Mr Thos. Hobson.

One Stove Plant in flower — 1. Mr
S. Schloss ; 2. Mr T. Hobson.

One Greenhouse Plant in flower — 1.
Not awarded ; 2. Mr C. Eylance.

One Cape Heath in flower — 1. Mr T.
Hobson ; 2. Mr. G. E. Reynolds.

Ten Greenhouse Azaleas in flower,
distinct— 1. Mr L. Hanmer ; 2. Sir J.
Watts.

Six Greenhouse Azaleas in flower,
distinct— 1. Sir J. Watts; 2. Mr Han-
mer.

One Greenhouse Azalea in flower — 1.
Mr. T. Hobson; 2. MrT. Kendal.

Eight Greenhouse Azaleas — 1. Not
awarded ; 2, Mr W. Pearson ; 3. Sir
James Watts.

Eight Fine Foliaged Plants— 1. Mr
S. Schloss ; 2. Mr John Stevenson ; 3.
Mr 0. W. Wrigley and Mr T. H. Bir-
ley equal.

Four Palms — 1. Mr Joseph Broome.

Eight Stove or Greenhouse Ferns — 1.
Mr T. Hobson ; 2. Mr E. J. Wrigley.

Twelve Hardy Ferns— 1. Mr W.
Pearson ; 2. Mr J. F. Rowbotham ; 3.
Mr John Wallace.

Six Show Pelargoniums in flower — 1.
Mr J. E. Reynolds, Mr A. G. Latham.

Six Fancy Pelargoniums, ditto — 1.
Mr R. Houghton.

Eight Zonal Pelargoniums, ditto — 1.
Mr R. Houghton ; 2. Mr H. K. Bal-
stone ; 3. Mr F. Taylor.

Eight Variegated ditto— 1. Mr H. K.
Balstone ; 2. Mr R. Voss ; 3. Mr M.
Torkington.

Six Roses in flower — 1. Mr J. E,
Reynolds.

Twelve Roses in flower — 1. Mr J. H.
Agnew.

Ten Cinerarias — 1. Sir James Watts,

Extra Prize— One Fern, Mr E. G.
Wrigley.

Nurserymen's Prizes.

Ten Roses in flower, distinct — 1.
Messrs H. Lane and Sons; 2. and 3.
not awarded ; extra prize, Mr John
Shaw, Manchester.

Thirty Roses in flower, distinct — 1.
Messrs H. Lane and Sons ; no others
awarded.

Ten Exotic Orchids in flower, dis-

tinct—1. Mr B. S. Williams; 2. Mr
John Shaw ; 3. Mr W. E. Dixon.

Ten Stove and Greenhouse Plants in
flower, distinct — 1. Mr B. S. Williams ;
2. not awarded ; 3. Mr John Shaw.

Eight Greenhouse Azaleas in flower,
distinct— 1. Mr E. Cole and Sons; 2.
Mr B. S. Williams.

1869.]

REVIEW.

28"

Twelve Greenhouse Azaleas in flower,
distinct — 1. Messrs H. Lane and Sons
and Messrs E. Cole and Sons equal ;
2. Mr B. S. Williams ; 3. Mr J. Kellett.

Ten Show Pelargoniums in flower,
distinct — 1. and 3. not awarded ; 2.
Mr C. Rylance.

Ten Fancy Pelargoniums in flower,
distinct — Mr C. Rylance.

Eight Zonal Pelargoniums in flower,
distinct — 1. Mr C. Rylance ; 2. Messrs
G. and W. Yates.

Eight Variegated Pelargoniums, dis-
tinct— 1. Messrs G. and W. Yates; 2.
Mr G. Watson.

Ten Fine-Foliaged Plants, distinct —
1. Mr B. S. Williams ; 2. Mr G. Shaw.

Twelve Miscellaneous Plants, distinct
— 1. Messrs J. Veitch and Sons, Chel-
sea; 2. Mr B. S. Williams; 3. Mr J.
Shaw.

Twelve 'New and Rare Plants of any
description, in or out of flower — 1.
Messrs J. Veitch and Sons ; 2. Mr B.
S. Williams ; 3 Mr W. E. Dixon.

Twenty Hardy Conifers — 1. Mr John

Shaw ; 2. Messrs H. Lane & Sons ;
3. Messrs G. and W. Yates.

One pair of Greenhouse Yuccas or
Beaucarneas— 1. Mr B. S. Williams ; 2.
Mr G. Shaw.

One pair Dracanas or Cordylines — L
Mr B. S. Williams ; 2. Mr J. Shaw.

One pair Tree-Ferns— Mr B. S. Wil-
liams,

One pair Palms— 1. Mr B. S. Wil-
liams ; 2. Mr J. Shaw.

One pair Pyramidal Bay-Trees — 1.
Mr B. S. Williams; 2. Mr J. Shaw.

Twenty-four Hardy Ferns (species) —
L MrR. Ashcroft; 2. Mr John Shaw.

Ten Amaryllis in flower — 1. and 3.
not awarded ; 2. Mr John Shaw.

Fifty Hardy Alpine and Herbaceous
Plants — 1. Messrs G. and W. Yates ;
2. Mr R. Ashcroft.

Twelve Hardy
flower — 1. Messrs
2. Mr John Shaw.

Twelve Hardy Azaleas in flower — 1.
Messrs H. Lane & Sons ; 2. Mr John
Shaw.

Rhododendrons in
H. Lane & Sons :

Fruits (open to all Classes).

Miscellaneous Collection of Fruit — 1.
Lord Carrington ; 2. and 3. not
awarded.

Two Bunches Black Hamburg Grapes
— 1. Lord Wharncliffe ; 2. Lord Bagot.

Two Bunches of any white kind of
Grape— 1. Lord Bagot; 2. Mr F.
Dixon ; extra prize, Mr Worswick.

-1. Mi

One Pine -Apple, " Queen "-
F. Dixon ; 2. not awarded.

One Pine-Apple, any other kind — 1.
Mr H. Walker ; 2. Mr T. N. Miller.

Six Bunches of Grapes — 1. Lord
Wharuclifi'e.

Two Baskets of Grapes — Mr F.
Dixon.

REVIEW.

The Parks, Promenades, and Gardens of Paris. By W. Robinson, F.L.S.

This is a handsomely got up volume of 644 pages, containing 400 illustrations,
all bearing upon the subjects of which it treats — showing the various methods of
training fruit-trees in vogue in France; the implements used in horticulture and
arboriculture; the hothouses, frames, and other appliances used for producing early
fruit, flowers, and vegetables ; plans of the principal parks round Paris : with
copious illustrations of French landscape-gardening ; lists of the most interesting
places to those in search of the best examples of French hoi'ticulture ; and, last,
but not least, plans of the Mushroom-caves of Paris, besides a great deal more
that time and space debar a reference to at this time.

The descriptive letterpress is clearly written, and full in all details ; and it will
enable any one with moderate horticultural skill to carry out in this country
whatever may strike him as being worth copying.

The volume is worthy a place in every gardener's library.

288 THE GARDENER. [June 1869.

J. R. — "We consider Lomaria Gibbii a Tree-Fern. "We have a plant of it with a
clear stem of 18 inches.

We doubt if Mr F. can get any redress from his Dutch correspondent. The
best way is to avoid having any dealings with unknown correspondents.

R. H. — Such plants as dwarf Palms, Dracccnas, Tree-Ferns, Ficus elastica,
Aralias, and Crotons will suit you for winter decoration. For summer, any of
the fine-foliaged plants, such as Caladium Coleus, Ferns, with the gayer class
of flowering-plants, will do. You should visit some respectable exotic nursery,
where you can easily make a selection to suit your purpose.

A Lover of Flowers. — It is impossible for us to advise you how to bed out
your little garden in the space at our disposal for these notices, and specially as
we do not know what plants you have. Procure ' The Handy Book of the Flower-
Garden," Blackwood & Sons, Edinburgh, and Paternoster Row, London, and
you will get full instructions.

"ViTis. — Your "Vines are attacked by the Vine mildew. Lose no time in paint-
ing your hot-water pipes with sulphur. Keep the atmosphere of the vinery dry,
and increase the heat and ventilation. This should check the malady if taken in
the bud ; but if it has made much progress on both foliage and fruit, mix a quan-
tity of sulphur in clear tepid water, and syringe the Vines with it, both fruit and
foliage, after which keep the house dry for a time. When the parasite is dead,
syringe the bunches with clean water, so as to wash the sulphur off them ; a little
of it left on the foliage will do no harm. You never can be too watchful for this
most destructive of all the ills that Vines are heirs to. The moment you observe
a spot on leaf or berry of something like hoar-frost, apply a glass to magnify it,
and you will discover the parasite. It spreads with magical rapidity, therefore
attack it at once with dry air and sulphur.

R. G. — The Golden Champion is the most robust and vigorous Vine we know,
whether grafted on another stock or on its own roots. We have it on Muscats,
Hamburgs, White Tokay, Raisin de Calabrica, and on its own roots, and can ob-
serve no difference in its growth. In your case we would inarch it, as no Vine
succeeds well when planted in a border that has been made some years, as yours
has been. The other Grape you refer to is a vei-y free bearer, and with us has set
well. A writer in the 'Chronicle,' we think it was, said it did not set freely.
This is not our experience of it. We have it inarched on the Black Hamburg
and Muscat Hamburg, Lucombe and Pince. Mr Meredith, or any nurseryman,
can supply you with a plant of it, and we advise you to inarch it on one of your
established Vines.

W. S. — The failure of the late Peach crop this year is all but universal, and is
the result of the fine warm weather we had in February, which set the sap in
motion early. This was succeeded by the severe cold winds of March, which
checked the sap ; and when the warm weather of April came, the buds fell off
instead of setting. Your gardener has done all he could do to save them, and is
no way to blame.

J. F. — Apricots are by no means a certain crop under glass. They should have
plenty of air when in bloom, and see that they never get dry at the roots. Pears
fruit very well in pots ; but unless the ventilation of the house they are in is very
complete, so that a current of fresh air passes through and amongst the trees, the
flavour is often defective.

Cymro. — You should have sent us a frond of the Fern with spores on it. We
think it is Asplenium Adiantum nigrum var. acutum.

We cannot, without a flower sent with it, say what the other plant is.

THE

GARDENER.

JULY 1869.

THE ROSE.

{Continued from page 251.)
CHAPTER XII. COXCERNING ROSE-SHOWS.

HEN tliat deliglitful young officer of her Majesty's Guards
jDaid a guinea, no long time ago in London, to the great
spiritualist, medium, or whatever the arch-humbug called
himself, of the season, and when, after a lengthened com-
munication with the spirit of his departed mother, he looked at his
watch, and courteously apologised for his abrupt exodus, "but he had
promised to lunch with the lady in question punctually at two o'clock,"
he completely demolished the baseless fabric of my little dream, how
charming it would be to have an hour's table-talk with some of our old
Rosarians.

I am with them, nevertheless, and without humbug, in spirit many
a time, honouring their memories, and always regarding them with a
thankful filial love. I like to think of them among their Eoses, as I
wander among my own, mindful how much of my happiness I owe,
humanly speaking, to their skill and enterprise, remembering them as
we Rosarians of to-day would fain be remembered hereafter, when our
children's children shall pluck their snow-white Madame Furtado, and
wish we were there to see. I like to think of Lee of Hammersmith
complacently surveying those standard E,ose-trees which he introduced
from France in the year 1818, which were the first ever seen in Eng-
land, and which he sold readily (it was reported at the time that the
Duke of Clarence gave him a right royal order for 1000 trees) at one

u

290 THE GARDENER. [July

guinea a-piece. I like to imagine tlie elder Rivers, looking on, a few
years later, half pleased and half perplexed, as Rivers the younger, now
grey with age, but young in heart as ever, budded his first batch of
Briers, and the old foreman who had served three generations boldly
protested, — " Master Tom, you'll ruin the place if you keep on plant-
ing them rubbishy Brambles instead of standard Apples ! " I fancy
the pleasant smile on Master Tom's handsome face, knowing as he did
that instead of the Brier would come up the Rose, that his ugly duck-
ling would grow into a noble swan, and that there were other trees
besides Golden Pippins which were productive of golden fruit. Then
I wonder what those other heroes of the past. Wood of Maresfield,
Paul of Cheshunt, and Lane of Birkhampstead, would say to their sons
and grandsons, could they see the development of the work v/hich
they began — the Roses, not only grown by the acre instead of by the
hundred, but in form and in colour beautiful exceedingly beyond their
hope and dream. I picture to myself Adam Paul's delight at the "72
cut Roses, distinct," with which George has won the first prize at "the
Xational ; " and the admiration which would reproduce " Brown's Su-
perb Blush" on his countenance, after whom that Rose was named,
could he behold those matchless specimens in pots, with which Charles
Turner, his successor, still maintains against all comers the ancient
glories of Slough.

Of the old Rosarians, Mr Lee of Hammersmith was the first who
obtained the medals of the Royal Horticultural Society for Roses
exhibited at Chiswick, and at the monthly meetings in Regent Street.
These Roses were shown singly upon the bright surface of japanned tin
cases, in which bottles filled with water were inserted, the dimensions
of the case being 30 inches by 18. In 1834, Mr Rivers won the two
gold medals for Roses shown at Chiswick, introducing a new and more
efi'ective arrangement, by placing the flowers in fresh green moss — a
simple, graceful, natural combination, unanimously accejDted by the
exhibitors of Roses from that day to this. These prize blooms from
Sawbridgeworth, the advanced-guard of a victorious army, were shown
in clusters or bouquets of five, six, and seven Roses, and were the best
specimens which skill and care could grow of the varieties which then
reigned supreme — Brennus, George IV., Triomphe d' Angers, Triomphe
de Guerin, &c. What a royal progress, what a revelation of beauty,
has Queen Rosa made since then ! In that same year Mr Rivers pub-
lished his first, and the first, 'Descriptive Catalogue of Roses.' It
enumerates by name 478 varieties. How many of them, 'think you,
are to be found in his list for 1869 1 Eleven ! — eight of them Climb-
ing Roses, two Moss, one China — but none of them available for exhi-
bition. Will it be so with our Roses, when thirty-five years have

1869.] THE ROSE. 291

passed ? I believe, I hope so. I believe that our sons will see the
Rose, developing its perfections more and more to reverential skill, and
I hope that the sight may bring to their hearts our love and happiness,
for it cannot bring them more. The Roses of to-day exhaust all our
powers of admiration, our finite appreciation of the beautiful. The
Roses of to-morrow can do no more. The Rosarian may "raise"
hereafter flowers large enough to cradle Cupid —

" Within the petals of a Eose
A sleeping love I spied; "

but he cannot have a higher delight surveying them than Rivers
enjoyed over his George IV. one fine June morning, more than thirty
years ago.'"

Mr Wood of Maresfield, who had learned the art of Rose-growing in
sunny France, was the next valiant knight who made his bow to the
Queen of Beauty, and won high honour in her lists. Then followed
Mr Adam Paul of Cheshunt, and then Mr Lane of Birkhampstead.
These were the heroes of my youth, and when I joined the service, a
raw recruit, in 1846, the four last named — Rivers, AVood, Paul, Lane
— were its most distinguished chiefs. But our warfare in those days
was mere skirmishing. We were only a contingent of Flora's army —
the Rose was but an item of the general flower-show. We were never
called to the front; we were placed in no van, save that which took us
to the show. And yet, then as now, whatever might be its position,
the Rose was the favourite flower ; then as now, the visitor, oppressed
by the size and by the splendour of gigantic specimen plants, would
turn to this sweet flower, and sigh, " There is nothing, after all, like the
Rose."

Year by year my enthusiasm increased, and my Roses multiplied
from a dozen to a score, from a score to a hundred, from a hundred to
a thousand, trees. They came into my garden a very small band of
settlers, and speedily, after the example of other colonists, they civilised
all the former inhabitants from off the face of the earth. Nor were
they content with the absolute occupation of that portion of my grounds
in which they were first planted. The Climbing Roses peeped over the
■wall on one side, and the tall Standards looked over the Yew hedge on
the other, and strongly urged upon their crowded brethren beneath
(as high and prosperous ones had urged before upon their poorer kins-
folk, pressing them too closely) an exodus to other diggings, to " fields
fresh and pastures nev/." So there was a congress of the great military
chiefs, Brennus (Hybrid China), Scipio (GalKca), Marechal Bugeaud

* See his 'Amateur's Guide,' ninth edition, p. 32. I may here express my
gratitude to Mr Rivers for a copy of his first catalogue, and for the dates and
facts, which I have repeated, concerning the old Rosarians.

292 THE GARDENER. [July

(Tea), Duke of Cambridge (Damask), Tippoo Saib (Gallica), Generals
Allard, Jacqueminot, Kleber, and Washington (all Hybrid Chinas),
Colonel Coombes, Captain Sisolet, etc. ; and their counsel, like
Moloch's, was for open war. They said it was expedient to readjust
their boundaries. They unanimously advised an immediate raid upon
the vegetable kingdom which adjoined their own. They discovered that
they had been for years grossly insulted by their neighbours (Aimee
Vibert was almost sure that a young Potato had winked his eye at
her), and the time for revenge was come. No, not revenge, but for
enlightenment and amelioration ; seeing that these blessings must
inevitably attend their intercourse with any other nation, and that,
consequently, an invasion, with a touch of fire and sword, was beyond
a doubt the most delightful thing that could happen to the barbarians
over the way. Geant des Batailles (Hybrid Perpetual) waved the Stand-
ard of Marengo (ditto), and they sallied forth at once. They routed
the Rhubarb, they carried the Asparagus with resistless force, they
cut down the Raspberries to a cane. They annexed that vegetable
kingdom, and they retain it still.

Yes, everything w^as made to subserve the Rose. My good old
father, whose delight was in agriculture, calmly watched the robbery
of his farm, merely remarking, with a quaint gravity and kindly satire,
that, " not doubting for a moment the lucrative wisdom of applying
the best manure in unlimited quantities to the common hedgerow
Brier, he ventured, nevertheless, to express his hope that I would leave
a little for the Wheat."

Simultaneously with this love of the Rose, there deepened in my
heart an indignant conviction that the flower of flowers did not receive
its due share of public honours. I noticed that the lovers of the Car-
nation had exhibitions of Carnations only, and that the worshippers of
the Tulip ignored all other idols. I saw that the Queen of Autunin
refused the alliance of each foreign potentate, when she led out her
fighting troops in crimson and gold gorgeous. The Chrysanthemum,
alone in her glory, made the halls of Stoke Newington gay. Even the
vulgar hairy Gooseberry maintained an exhibition of its own ; and I knew
a cottager whose kitchen was hung round with copj^er kettles, the prizes
which he had won with his Roaring Lions, his Londons, Thumpers,
and Crown-Bobs. Was the Queen of Summer, forsooth, to be degraded
into a lady-in-waiting 1 Was the royal supremacy to be lost ? No — like

" Lars Porsenna of Clusium,

When by his gods he swore,
That the great house of Tarquin
Should suffer wrong bo more " —

I vowed that her Majesty should have her own again, and in a court

1869.] THE ROSE. 293

of unparalleled and unassisted splendour should declare herself monarch
of the floral world.

Carrying out this loyal resolution, I forthwith suggested in the pages
of 'The Florist' (April 1857), to all Rose-growers, amateur and pro-
fessional, "that we should hold near some central station a Grand
Natioxal Rose-Show — a feast of Roses, at which the whole brother-
hood might meet in love and unity, to drink, out of cups of silver,
success to the queen of flowers." And I must confess that, when I
had made this proposal to the world, I rather purred internally with
self-approbation. I felt confident that the world would be pleased.
Would the world send me a deputation 1 Should I be chaired at the
London flower-shows'? Perhaps I should be made a baronet. For
some days after the publication of the magazine I waited anxiously at
home. I opened my letters nervously, but the public made no sign.
Had it gone wild with joy, or were its emotions too deep for words?
Weeks passed and it still was mute. I was disappointed. I had thought
better of mankind, but I was disappointed, even as that dog of
Thompson's, whose sad story is told in these parts as a warning to the
over-sanguine. He heard one morning the sound of familiar footsteps
approaching at the hour of food. He said to himself, " What jolly dogs
are we !" he rushed towards the door, jumping and frisking, for he
thought they were bringing him his breakfast; and . . . they
took him out and hanged him.

The suspense in both cases was extremely disagreeable, but I had
this advantage, that mine was too brief to be fatal. I had power to
cut the knot, and I exercised it by writing to our chief Rosarians the
simple question, " Will you help me in establishing a National Rose-
Show 1 " Then were all my doubts and disappointments dispelled,
and the winter of my discontent made glorious summer, for the an-
swers which I received, as soon as mails could bring them, might be
summed up in one word, "Heartily." The three men, the triumviri,
whose sympathy and aid I most desired — Mr Rivers, king of rosists,
Mr Charles Turner, prince of florists, and Mr William Paul, who was
not only a successful writer upon the Rose, but at that time presided,
practically, over the glorious Rose-fields of Cheshunt — promised to
work with me ; and the rest to whom I wrote (not many at first, be-
cause too many captains spoil the field-day, and too many huntsmen
lose the fox) assented readily to all I asked from them. I was quite
happy, quite certain of success, when I had read these letters ; and I
remember that in the exuberance of my joy I attempted foolishly a
perilous experiment, which quickly ended in bloodshed — I began to
whistle in the act of shaving !

Shortly afterwards we met in London, as members of her Majesty

294 THE GARDENER. [July

Queen Rose's Council. The council chamber (Webb's Hotel, Piccadilly)
was hardly so sf)acious, or so perfectly exempt from noise, as became
such an august assembly, but our eyes and our ears were with the Rose.
We commenced with a proceeding most deeply interesting to every
British heart — we unanimously ordered dinner. Then we went to work.
"\Ye resolved that there should be a Grand National Rose-Show, and
that we would raise the necessary funds by subscribing £5 each, as a
commencement, and by soliciting subscriptions. That the first show
should be held in London about the 1st day of July 1858. That the
2)rizes, silver cups, should be awarded to three classes of exhibitors —
namely, to growers for sale, to amateurs regularly employing a gardener,
and to amateurs not regularly, &c. We then discussed minor details,
and having agreed to reassemble when our financial prospects were
more clearly developed, we parted.

And I thought, as I went rushing down the Northern Line, what a
joyous, genial day it had been. Personally unknown to my coadjutors,
we had been from the moment our hands met as the friends of many
years. So it is ever with men who love flowers at heart. Assimilated
by the same pursuits and interests, hopes and fears, successes and dis-
appointments— above all, by the same thankful, trustful recognition of
His majesty and mercy who placed man in a garden to dress it — these
men need no formal introductions, no study of character to make them
friends. They have a thousand subjects in common, on which they
rejoice to compare their mutual experiences, and to conjoin their praise.
Were it my deplorable destiny to keep a toll-bar, on some bleak, melan-
choly waste, and were I permitted to choose in alleviation a companion,
of whom I was to know only that he had one special enthusiasm, I
should certainly select a florist. Authors would be too clever for me.
Artists would have nothing to paint. Sportsmen I have always loved;
but that brook, which they will jump so often at night, does get such
an amazing breadth — that stone wall such a fearful height — that rocket-
ing pheasant so invisible — that salmon (in Norway) such a raging, gigan-
tic beast, that, being fond of facts, m^y interest would flag. No ; give
me a thorough florist, fond of all flowers, from a red Campion to Loelia
purpurata. We should never be weary of talking about our favourites ;
and, you may depend upon it, we should grow something.

In all sobriety, I often wish that we, who, in these locomotive days,
frequently find ourselves in our great cities, especially when our ex-
hibitions are open, might have better opportunities from time to time
of gratifying our gregarious inclinations. Why, for example, should
not the Horticultural Club in London have a permanent building like
other clubs, of course on a scale proportioned to its income, where we
might write our letters, read our newspapers, and (dare I mention

1869.] THE ROSE. 295

it ? ) smoke our cigars, with every probability tliat we should meet some
genial friend 1 Only let Mr Richard Dean direct, as now, and there
would be no fear of failure. Not only in London, but in Edinburgh,
in Dublin, in Paris, I would have a horticultural club, where gar-
deners (a title which every man is proud of, if he feels that he has a
right to claim it) might assemble in a fraternal spirit, as brethren of
that Grand Lodge whose first master wore an apron of leaves, and
whose best members were never yet ashamed if their own were of
purple baize. As time went on, we might have a library of horticul-
tural, botanical, geological, and chemical books. We might have
l^ictures, after the manner of our dear old " Garrick " in King Street,
of some famous chiefs who had conferred real benefits upon the gar-
dening world. How glad we should be, for instance, to see a good
likeness of "the Doctor," and of quaint old Donald Beaton !

"My dear fellow," said to me a young person, whom, after going
through his admirable gardens and houses, and hearing his professions
of interest, I had mistaken for a florist, and to whom I had incau-
tiously revealed my club aspirations, "you surely don't suppose I should
meet my gardener I " And he wore an expression of horror, as though
I had asked him to join a select party of lepers and ticket-of-leavers.
" Calm yourself," I made answer ; " there is no fear of collision. You
would not be elected, I assure you." Fancy a fellow pretending to be
fond of art, and wincing at the idea of meeting an artist. Fancy
Kynaston declining to dine with Pilch, or Mr Grace supposing that
disgrace would follow a weed with Richard Daft. More than this,
he who knows and reverences the gardener's art must be a gentleman.
He may not be aware that to leave out the li in Horse-radish, or to
sound the same in honour, is an offence less pardonable than profane
swearing ; he may even be ignorant that to eat Pease with a knife is
one of the deadly sins ; — but, nevertheless, if he loves his flowers, he
must be in heart a gentleman. But we have lost our way to the Rose-
show.

We went back to our homes. We appealed for subscriptions to the
lovers of the Rose, and they responded, as I knew they would. They
responded until our sum total nearly reached £200. We published
our schedule of prizes, amounting to XI 5 6. We engaged St James's
Hall, an expensive luxury, at 30 guineas for the day, but just then in
the first freshness of its beauty, and therefore an attraction in itself.
We secured the services of the Coldstream band — a mistake, because
their admirable music was too loud for indoor enjoyment. We adver-
tised freely. We placarded the walls of London with gorgeous and
gigantic posters. And then the great day came.

The late Mr John Edwards, who gave us from the first most impor-

296 THE GARDENER. [July

tant help, and -wlio was tbe best man I ever saw in the practical
arrangements of a flower-sliow, was first, soon after daybreak, on the
scene. He found the hall crowded with chairs and benches, just as it
was left after a concert the night before. Early as it was, he had his
staff with him — carpenters and others ; and when I arrived with my
Roses, after a journey of 120 miles, at 5.30 a.m., the long tables were
almost ready for the baize. Then came the covered vans w^hich had
travelled through the summer night from the grand gardens of Hert-
fordshire, and tlie "four-wheelers," with green boxes piled upon their
roofs, from all the railway stations. And then the usual confusion
which attends the operation of "staging" — exhibitors preferring their
" own selection " to the places duly assigned to them, running against
each other, or j^ressing round Mr Edwards with their boxes, as though
they had something to sell — vociferating like the porters at Boulogne,
who, having seized your portmanteau, insist on taking your body to
their hotel. He, however, was quite master of the situation, and upon
his directions, clearly and firmly given, there followed order and peace.
And there followed a scene, beautiful exceedingly. I feel no shame
in confessing that when the hall was cleared, and I looked from the
gallery upon the three long tables, and the platform beneath the great
organ, glowing with the choicest Roses of the world, the cisterns of
my heart o'erfiowed —

" A flood of thoughts caipe rushing, and filled mine eyes with tears."

" Half the nurseries of England," as Dr Lindley wrote, " poured their
treasures into St James's Hall." There were twenty boxes from Saw-
bridgeworth alone. There were glorious collections, large and lovely,
from Cheshunt and Colchester, Hertfordshire and Hereford, Exeter
and Slough. But I had brief time, as secretary and supervisor, that day
for "idle tears," or other private emotions ; for, had I been editor of
'Notes and Queries,' the 'Field,' and the 'Queen' conjointly, I could
not have had more questions put to me. Had I possessed the hun-
dred hands of Briareus, not one would have been unemployed. Then
the censors reported their verdicts ; the prize-cards were placed by the
prize Roses ; and then came

The momentous question, "Would the public indorse our experi-
ment 1 Would the public appreciate our show 1 There was a de-
ficiency of £100 in our funds, for the expenses of the exhibition
were £300 ; and as a matter both of feeling and finance, I stood by the
entrance as the clock struck two, anxiously to watch the issue.

No long solicitude. More than fifty shillings — I humbly apologise
— more than fifty intelligent and good-looking individuals were waiting
for admission ; and these were followed by continuous comers, until

1S69.] THE ROSE. 297

the hall was full. A gentleman, who earnestly asked my pardon for
having placed his foot on mine, seemed perplexed to hear how much I
liked it, and evidently thought that my friends were culpable in allow-
ing me to be at large. Great indeed was my gladness in seeing those
visitors — more than 2000 in number — but far greater in liear'uKj
their hearty words of surprise and admiration.

At the close of the exhibition it was my happy privilege to distribute
the thirty-six silver cups which had been specially designed for the
occasion, and were, as I need hardly say, prettily and profusely engraved
with Roses. The winners were — (of nurserymen) Messrs Paul of
Cheshunt, Mr Cranston of Hereford, Mr Cant of Colchester, Mr Francis
of Hertford, Mr Turner of Slough, and Mr Hollamby of Tunbridge
Wells : and (of amateurs) Mr Giles Puller of Youngsbury, Captain
Maunsell and Rev. G. Maunsell, Thorpe Malsor ; Mr R. Fellowes and
Rev. R. Fellowes, Sholtesham ; Mr Worthington, Cavendish Priory ;
Rev. H. Helyar, Yeovil ; Mr Mallett, Nottingham ; Mr Sladden, Ash ;
Mr Fryer, Chatteris ; Mr Walker, Oxford ; Mr Hewitt, and Mr Blake
of Ware. Two cups were awarded to my own Roses, the process of
presentation being " gratifying, but embarrassing," as ]Mrs Nickleby
remarked when her eccentric lover would carve her name on his pew.

So ended the hrst Rose-Show. It was, as one of its best supporters,
and one of our best Rosarians, the Rev. Mr Radclyffe, wrote of it,
" successful beyond all anticipation ; " and T went to bed that night
as tired, as happy, and I hope as thankful as I had so much good
cause to be.

The Second National Rose-Show was held in the following year,
June 23, 1859, at the Hanover Square Rooms, the former site not
being available ; and again we had the best Roses of England, a goodly
company, and prosperous issues. The general effect, although the
introduction of pot-Roses broke gracefully the monotonous surface of
the cut flowers, was inferior to that produced in the more genial sum-
mer of 1858, and in the more ample and ornate accommodations
of St James's Hall. But it w^as now more evident than ever, that
although we had toned down our music by substituting strings and
reeds for brass, no room in London was large enough for the levees
of the Queen of Flowers. Next year, accordingly, after a correspon-
dence and arrangement with the directors,

The Third National Rose-Show was held (July 12, 1860) in the
Crystal Palace at Sydenham. Here was a throne-room meet for her
Majesty, and 16,000 of her lieges came to do her homage. Naturally
and wisely, the Crystal Palace Company resolved, upon this, to have
a Rose-show of their own. Long may it prosper !

The Fourth National Rose-Show was held under the auspices of the

298 THE GARDENER. [July

Royal Horticultural Society in their gardens at South Kensington,
July 10, 1861, and there it has since flourished in all its first strength
and beauty. I Avas very grateful to find such a genial soil and excel-
lent supervision for a plant which was growing rather too large for
me — that is, to transfer to abler hands a work which, with all its grati-
fications, interfered at times unduly with my other engagements.
Moreover, to tell you all the truth, in the happy spring-tide of 18G1 I
had a correspondence which occupied all my time, upon a subject which
occupied all my thought — a subject more precious, more lovely even
than Roses — I was going to be married in May.

Have I created in thy breast, 0 amateur, a desire to win honour at
Queen Rosa's tournaments? Have you an ambition to see upon your
sideboard cups of silver encircled by the Rose ? Listen, and I will
now tell you what Roses to show, and how to show them.

S. Reynolds Hole.

THE CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS.

THE APPLE.
{Continued from page 255. )

After the first season's growth is over there will be one, two, or three
shoots upon every young Apple which has been grafted, according
to the strength of the stock and the energy of the graft. It will
now be the duty of the cultivator to decide upon the form
and manner of the training to be employed for each tree. If for
standards, the best and straightest shoot must be selected, and the
rest removed close back to where they started. The shoot which is
left must be encouraged upward, and if ripe to the top, must be left
at full length. This will not probably be the case, and if so, let it be
cut back to where the wood is firm and ripe ; and the succeeding year
the shoot which starts from this bud must be trained to a stake and
led up to the desired height, which will in all probability be attained
before the end of the season. At pruning-time cut back to the height
desired to form a head, after which it may be trained according to any
of the methods recommended for the Pear, just as the cultivator may
have an inclination. If dwarf standards are wanted, the best shoot
must again be selected and cut back to 1 or 1|^ foot, as the case may
be, and afterwards get the same training as I have formerly recom-
mended for the Pear. It may be necessary for the first year or two to
use stakes for spreading out the branches to form a shapely tree. This,

1869.] CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS. 299

however, is not always necessary, as the man who can use his knife
thoroughly will be able to cut so as to form a tree without having
recourse to such an unsightly procedure. If it is intended to form
trees either for espaliers or walls, let the form intended be selected and
worked out upon the principles laid down when treating of the Pear.
The directions there given for the w^hole after-management of the Pear
will require also to be regularly attended to in the after-management
of the Apple in its various stages. Root-pruning must be rigidly
attended to every second year, so that the roots may not get rambling
at will either downwards or horizontally. If it is done regularly, and
some good loam — slightly enriched, if necessary, in such a manner as
shall be hereafter directed — be applied at each root-pruning, it will be
found that at the end of fifteen or twenty years the trees will be a mass
of fibrous roots, with a ball nearly a ton in weight, and so entwined
within the grasp of these roots that it would be quite an easy matter
to remove the tree to any portion of the garden without the slightest
hurt to either the tree itself or the crop of the succeeding year. This,
no doubt, is a great consideration; yet, nevertheless, the great object in
root-pruning is to obtain a healthy vigorous-constitutioned tree, which
shall early come into a good bearing condition, and which shall con-
tinue to enjoy good health and remain free from many of the diseases
to which the Apple is heir during a protracted and useful existence.
In root-pruning it ought always to be borne in mind that the tree re-
quires not only to be " dug about and dunged," but that it also requires
to be dug beneath and dunged as well ; for it is from the very roots
which are often allowed to remain at root-pruning-time that most of
the canker gets into the tree which so often proves highly injurious to
the future wellbeing thereof. At each operation the plant ought to
be turned over from side to side, so that it may be clearly seen that no
enemies of this kind are allowed to remain.

It is not absolutely necessary to prepare the borders for Apples as I
have directed for the Pear, yet at the same time, if it were within my
power, I would do so. There is far oftener much lost by doing a thing
in a medium way than there is by doing it weU. I therefore would in
all cases say, " Do a thing well if you do it at all ; " but failing this,
or not having the means to do it, let the next best be done within our
reach. It is not, however, beyond the reach of any one to have the
drainage made as good as possible, and this I believe to be the first
step in the right direction. The fact is, nothing can be worse for
fruits or vegetables of any sort than to have the cold wet rains of
autumn and winter continually lodging about their roots until the
whole soil becomes sodden and sour through their continual presence.
The Apple is not quite so particular about its soil as the Pear, but stiU

300 THE GARDENER. [July

the best soil -u'ill still be tlie best. A good rich soil similar to Avhat
I recommended for the latter will be found to be the best for the Apple,
although it may be often seen that good fruit has been obtained with-
out all the trouble and expenses my system would incur. This can,
however, be no objection to my plans ; for it will be found, as a rule,
that wherever the Apple succeeds best, either in a natural or prepared
soil, that the food provided for it approaches very nearly to what I
recommend as being the best for Apple- cultivation if it is to be suc-
cessful.

The soil and all other things being in readiness, the Apples may be
planted into their permanent positions any time after they are two
years old, up to six or eight years of age. In the case of renewing an
old garden with young fruit-trees, it is the best plan to grow on the
young ones until they are into a good regular fruit-bearing condition,
which should be arrived at by the end of six or eight years. This is
the case with us here, and all the old trees are still standing in their
places to enable us to obtain a supply of fruit until the young ones are
fully bearing. I have therefore had recourse to the following expedient :
One of the divisions of the garden is filled up with about three
hundred of Pears, Plums, and Apples, planted 6 feet apart each
way. They are five and six years old from the graft, and I hope and
expect by the end of three or four years more to be able to dispense
with the old trees and have them replaced with the new. In planting
these young trees, the pits were dug out and fresh soil put in to receive
the plants ; upon this they were planted, and the pits filled up with the
same material. At the end of each two years they receive a good root-
pruning ; and by the time they are required for planting out I expect
them to lift with good balls of 2 or 3 cwt., as they receive an addition
at each operation of the same material in which they were at first
planted, as well as a top-dressing of dung. The best time to plant
fruit-trees of any sort is the end of September or beginning of October,
before the leaves are fully ripe, so that they may become partially
established in their places ere the period of rest has come about. In
the case of transplanting trees of six or eight years old, it would even
be better, where good large balls can be obtained, to do so in August, as
the check which they will get by the oj)eration will enable them to set
a good crop of flower-buds for the following season. Any one who
may try this experiment need not be alarmed to see the foliage flag
considerably for a time. In the course of a month or so they will all
come right again if the following directions be attended too : In removing
the trees, be as careful as possible not to break the balls ; have the places
for them prepared before lifting them ; have them planted one by one
as they are lifted, and allow them to be as little exposed to the sun as

1869.] CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS. 301

possible during tlie operation. After planting, give tliem a good water-
ing to settle the soil about their roots, and afterwards give them a
mulching of 4 or 5 inches of good stable- dung to prevent evaporation.
If through any mischance the balls have got broken and the trees appear
to flag greatly, a good syringing overhead morning and evening will
assist them greatly to get re-established.

In selecting a place for the cultivation of the Apple there are two
things to be encountered — viz., exposure to the west and south-west,
from where we get our severest storms at the period when the trees are
laden with fruit, and consequently in danger of being tossed about and
broken off. The other danger is exposure to the north, north-east, and
east, from where our frosts invariably come at the season of blossom-
ing. Now, to avoid these, the place selected — if a choice can be made
— should have a gentle slope towards the south or south-east, and be
protected with plantations from the south-west round the north to the
east. If such a position as this can be selected with a soil suitable for
the Apple to grow, no one need be afraid for the after-results. This
of course applies entirely to orchard plantations, as in the case of
gardens surrounded by high walls such precautions are not so necessary,
nor are they at all times available. The distances at which the trees
are to be planted will be regulated according to the stock which has
been used. If the free stock or common Crab has been used, we may
expect the trees to grow to a good size. 24 to 30 feet v/ill be a very
good distance for orchard plantations ; but where the trees are to be
kept dwarf, either by the knife or otherwise, 15 to 20 feet will be
better. If the stock used was the Paradise, then the distance may be
reduced from 10 to 15 feet apart. It is not advisable, however, to
overcrowd, as the more light and air we can admit to each individual
tree, the better will the wood be ripened, and the better chance we wiU
have of a crop the year succeeding.

Having assigned the west aspect to the Pear, there is no other posi-
tion than the east to be given to those placed upon the wall. No doubt
several of the better varieties deserve a better position than this, but,
as I formerly said, circumstances often prevent us from doing as we
would exactly like. In planting against the wall, the distances recom-
mended for placing the Apple must be regulated by the same laws as
laid down when handling the same subject regarding the Pear.

James M'Millan.
{To he continued.)

302 THE GARDENER. [July

CUTTING DOWN YOUNG VINES TO GET TWO
GROWTHS IN ONE SEASON.

In 18G5 I was anxious to prepare a quantity of extra strong young
Vines in large pots, and not being very well off for a place to grow
them in, they were put into a Muscat-house with a high temperature.
This was after they had been shifted into 14-inch pots. Under circum-
stances over which, unfortunately, I could have no control, they were
allowed to remain in said house till the Muscats completely covered
the roofs of the vinery, and became gradually weaker and weaker from
the want of light and air, so that they looked more like being sent
to the rubbish-heap than ever becoming Vines that would bear a crop
the following year. I, however, decided to cut them down to within
a bud or two of the surface of the pot, and had them placed in a light
house wdth a night temperature of 70°, with 15" to 20° more with sun-
heat by day. Water was sparingly applied, and they very soon burst their
main buds, which, under ordinary circumstances, would not have moved
till the following year. They came away with amazing vigour, and
made magnificent Vines 10 feet long — the strongest I ever had under
my care.

This season, on the 1 6th March, I planted a house of Muscats, and
the last week of May, after they had made fine growths 8 and 9 feet
long, these were cut down as described above. They likewise soon
burst their main buds, and are now twice as strong as they were
when the same length in their first growth. And where Vines planted
one year are required to yield the finest possible crop the year following,
I would strongly recommend this two-growths-in-one-season system as
one that will produce a more vigorous Vine of a given length than if
allowed to grow on at first.

All gardeners who have had the charge of Vines can scarcely fail to
have observed how very strongly a Vine in a green unripened state, when
growing vigorously, bursts its main buds when the laterals are closely
stopped ; and the same increase of dimensions takes place when a young
Vine is cut down as I have described. It is necessary, however, in
order to get season sufiicient to ripen the second growth thoroughly,
that the Vines be planted in March, and that the cultivator have a good
command of heat in the case of Muscats especially.

D. Thomson.
Drumlaneig.

1869.] CARTER & CO.'S NURSERY. 303

MESSRS CARTER & CO.'S NURSERY, PERRY HILL,
SYDENHAM, KENT.

This establisliineiit has become a most important adjunct of the ex-
tensive business of Messrs James Carter, Dimnett, & Beale, of High
Holborn, London. A few years ago, Avhen this enterprising firm
branched out into seed-growers and nurserymen, the then small Crystal
Palace Nursery at Perry Hill was taken by them, and since that time
it has grown into one of the first bedding-plant nurseries of the day.
Not that bedding-plants are the sole feature of this nursery, for a gen-
eral nursery stock is largely cultivated, but bedding-plants are a special
feature, and consequently largely cultivated. At no season of the year
could a more interesting visit be paid to this nursery than during the
end of April or early part of May, just before the heavy bedding trade
commences. Like an immense floricultural army gathered together to
be reviewed may the extensive array of bedding-plants seen here at
this season be likened, as all the intermediate and cool houses and pits
present the appearance of a succession of regiments wearing clivers-
coloured uniforms when the plants are arranged in groups of each kind
from which to select orders, as it is computed there are one million
bedding-plants ready for sending out, besides those advancing onward
to this stage of readiness from the propagating house — which can
be seen in almost countless thousands. In this nursery there are six
span-roofed houses, each 150 feet in length and 20 in width, and in
each of which it is stated 100,000 bedding-plants can be arranged in
dififerent stages of growth. In addition to the ordinary stages in each
house, extra-ordinary ones are extemporised in the form of broad com-
modious shelves, used for the purpose of economising space. Even
with so much room, a deep narrow large thumb-pot is used for the
first shift of the plants, thirty-six of which will stand on a square foot
of shelf. On the south side of each of these long houses (they all
run from east to west) there are ranges of pits of great width, and in
some instances on the north side as well, while the more advanced and
hardier stuff occupy shallow brick pits, which can be covered with
mats nailed to wooden frames should the weather turn cold or exces-
sively wet. The general character of the bedding-stuff was of a short,
stocky, yet vigorous character, apparently well adapted for exposed
situations.

The centre stage of one of these houses contained Yines in 8-inch
pots, six pots in width, with an alley between. The spaces between
the pots are stuffed with spent hops, and a good heat was being main-
tained. These Yines remain here till the end of August, when, the
growth being matured, they are hardened off elsewhere. It was said

304 THE GARDENER. [July

there were upwards of 2000 Vines in pots in this nursery, independent
of a great number growing from eyes in smaller pots. The shelves
and one of tlic side stages were filled with the tenderer kinds of bed-
ding-stuff, being encouraged to make growth. On the south side
was a row of twenty-one varieties of frame Cucumbers, trained to
the roof, and grown simply for trial. Nearly all were in bearing, and
doing remarkably well. Some were especially good — as, for instance,
JS'ewton Hero, a fine white- spined variety, with a short heel ; Coleshill
Black Spine, very good ; and Carter's Champion, a nearly smooth va-
riety, having a slight black spine. Arranged between the Cucumbers
were pot-roots of Dahlias and Vines from eyes.

A similar house was devoted entirely to beddmg- stuff, but parted
into three divisions, one being a propagating house, having the left
hand devoted to striking cuttings, on the right hand being quite an
array of all the new Coleuses, for which a great demand is expected.
The next division of the house was almost entirely filled with Coleuses :
on one side Avere specimen plants of each kind, two of a sort, the most
striking being Her Majesty, Prince of Wales, and Batemanni ; while
there were an additional six specimens in extra large pots of the new
golden-leaved kinds, Her Majesty being very fine. The other division
was mainly filled with Coleuses. Another house contained bedding-
plants in 60-sized pots. Coleuses were here also, and a great number
of Petunias ; also the variegated Perilla Nankinensis, having the dark
leaves varied w^ith scarlet, and blotched with claret and white ; also
Lantanas, Cannas in great numbers. Lobelias, Heliotropes, Tropseo-
lums, &c. In another house were Alternantheras in such numbers as
to lead one to suppose they must be in great demand for bedding
purposes, though occasionally condemned. A. paronychioides and
A. spathulata are the most useful, and in the largest demand. A.
(Teilanthera) amoena is also much used, though not so hardy as the
foregoing. It was computed there were 12,000 Alternantheras in this
and other houses. Here were also Coleuses again — a great lot in
thumb-pots.

If the numbers in which any particular plant w^as being propagated
may be taken as evidencing its value for bedding purposes, then
Fuchsia Cloth-of-Gold, one of the golden-leaved kinds, must be in large
demand. There were about 6000 plants of this about the nursery.
Mrs Treadwell Tropa3olum, also, is being largely propagated, and ranks
high as a bedding-plant. It has a sub-trailing habit, dark bronzy foli-
age, and superb crimson flowers. In different parts of the establish-
ment were 20,000 Mrs Pollock, this well-known variegated zonal
J^elargonium being naturally enough in large demand, as it is as yet
unsurpassed for bedding purposes in its section. Then of the ordi-

1869.] CARTER & CO.'S NURSERY. 305

nary bedding Pelargoniums, there is a great run upon Excellent, rich
scarlet ; Stella, nosegay ; Crystal Palace, scarlet, a dwarf- growing
variety ; Christine, pink ; Madame Vaucher, white ; Crystal Palace
Gem, one of the Cloth-of-Gold section, and a most useful bedder, &c.

Still another house, and here was a wonderful collection of double
Pelargoniums, some 3000 in number, including very fine specimens
of each of the double varieties. Of these, Madame Lemoine was very
fine, having superb rose-coloured flowers fully 2 inches across ; Tom
Thumb, fiery red, flowers rather loose, and apt to burn in the summer;
and Wilhelm Pfitzer, orange-scarlet, habit dwarf and close, a fine new
variety. Messrs Carter & Co. are now cultivating 24 assumed varieties
of double Pelargoniums. In this same house were variegated zonale,
silver variegated, and gold and bronze zonale Pelargoniums in great
abundance, fine young stufi*, bushy and compact in growth. Some
specimen ivy-leaved Pelargoniums, trained on wire shapes, were espe-
cially noticeable for their fine cultivation, especially examples of the
two new kindsj Duke of Edinburgh and I'Elegante. In this house
also was a splendid plant of Clianthus Dampieri, finely bloomed.

In other houses were Azaleas, show and fancy Pelargoniums, tender
Eerns, some plants of the new American Cherry Tomato, produced
in bunches like Currants, the berries being nearly transparent, stove
and greenhouse plants, succulents, &c., in great abundance.

Perhaps most striking of all was a long pit of considerable breadth,
filled with a great number of specimen plants of variegated zonal
Pelargoniums in the best possible condition, the leaves finely coloured
and the plants in the finest health. Particularly noticeable for
the rich beauty of the leaves were Prince of "Wales, Mrs Tom Hood,
Sultana Yalide, and Sir Robert ISJ'apier. In the silver-edged section,
Mabel Morris was very fine, having a striking carmine zone slightly
shaded with dark ; and in the gold and bronze section, Southern
Belle, a fine variety, with a broad dark zone in a golden-leaf ground,
was most engaging in appearance. Every good and striking variety
appeared to be here ; probably such a collection of plants could not be
seen in any other nursery round London.

Out of doors the pits of bedding stuff" were something remarkable,
as they contained the plants ready for planting out at once, and which
had been hardening off for some days past. There were thirty-four of
these pits, each 33 feet long by 6 feet wide, completely filled with plants
in 60-pots, each square foot containing twelve plants. A striking mass
of yellow colouring was presented by a large batch of a variety of
Tagetes patula, a capital selection from the double dwarf orange.
Erench Marigold, a plant used largely at the Crystal Palace for
bedding purposes. During the summer months these shallow pits

X

306 THE GARDENER, [July

are used for the purpose of growing Gourds, Indian Corn, Toma-
toes, &c.

In tlie herbaceous ground a very hxrge collection of herbaceous
plants could be seen. It was computed that there Avere many thou-
sands in pots, and they were clean and admirably arranged. Adja-
cent lands had as occupants forest and fruit trees, &c., and ground is
continually being added for the growth of stock.

Close by the nursery is a sample-seed ground on an extensive scale,
for the purpose of proving the growth, as well as the quality, of vege-
table seeds. ]N"early at all periods of the year this sample-ground
would amply repay a visit, as there can always be found something to
interest and instruct. One most interesting feature was the presence
of large patches of all the various grasses and clovers ; and advantage
was being taken of a neighbouring sewer, for the sewage was being
diverted to the sample -ground in order to furnish the means for
experiments in growing crops by the application of sewage.

It may be added that aU building -work, painting, and glazing,
basket-making, &c., is done by Messrs Carter & Co.'s employes, there
being nearly one hundred persons employed on the grounds at Perry
Hm. E. D.

TROPCEOLUM SPECIOSUM.

TO THE EDITOR OP THE ' GARDENER.'

Sir, — I have been interested in the articles on Tropceolum Speciosum by your
correspondents W. S, and R. F. I have seen this pretty plant in all its beauty
on the "rock" and wind-raked terraces referred to. All I shall say regarding
them is, that they are presided over by a gardener whose intelligence and deter-
mination make everything succeed he takes in hand.

R. F.'s beds I have often seen, and can assure W. S. they are all that could be
desired. And this success has been obtained in a cold, damp, ungenial soil, which
may account for the *' bottoming of Pea-sticks. " Some years ago the beauty of
these beds, and the festoons of this Tropceolum on the front of R. F.'s
cottage or miniature castle in which he resides, took my fancy so much that
I desired roots and the proper treatment. I was kindly supplied with both,
and set to planting in high spirits, but unfortunately I omitted the ** Pea-stick
bottoming." My beds went on very much as W. S. says they do for the first year or
two, but after they seemed to have met my most sanguine expectations, the roots
took to travelling from home through a grass border into a private house, of
which they have taken entire possession, but the beds became so poor they had to be
broken up. So the " beauty " is at present a fugitive with me — in fact, a weed.
This is a wrinkle in its history your other correspondents have not touched on,
so I send it you, in the hope it may be of service.

1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 307

STOK"E BLOCKS FOR OBCHIDS.

I AM not aware that the acknowledged authorities on this beautiful
family of plants, who have favoured us with a revelation of the secrets
of their art in the successful culture of the various species of Orchids,
have ever spoken of stone as suitable material on w^hich to place those
which are generally recommended to be placed on blocks of wood.
Neither have I any recollection of ever having seen Epiphytes with a
stone to feed upon. This material may, however, be used beyond the
range of my observation. Be this as it may, my present object is not
to recommend stone blocks as the best sort that can be used, nor to
say that I have, from any lengthened experience, found any advantage
in using stone instead of wooden blocks, but simply to state that about
a month ago I had to look about for a few suitable blocks for Orchids,
and could not conveniently find them ; and as is often the case in gar-
dening, where a way cannot be found it has to be made, and so a few
soft freestone blocks were hewn into shape something like small sugar-
loaves, and placed a few inches deep in pans filled with soft water. On
one was placed a sickly plant of Phalasnopsis amabilis, and on others
plants of ^Erides Lobbii and A. Dayanum. The first named of these
especially had not a fresh root, and just one leaf, when placed on the
cone of stone. They were simply fixed in their places with a piece of
matting, and a little fresh Sphagnum placed round their collars. The
Phalsenopsis has now three fine healthy leaves of a dark-green colour,
and is rooting and growing vigorously, and clinging to the stone with
immense roots, which are covered with a gelatinous substance, the sign
of health. The same may be said of the yErides.

The soft freestone, by capillary attraction, keeps itself always full of
moisture, and it is, moreover, a good absorbent and conductor of heat ;
and, so far as my observation goes, it appears a material worthy the
attention of Orchid-fanciers. Soft freestone can be cut into such a
variety of shapes that a house of Orchids might be made to look much
more picturesque than they are generally met with.

Dkumlanrig Gardens. D. Thomson.

HINTS FOR AMATEURS.— JULY.

Hugh of the work in the vegetable-garden at present will be, carrying
out what could not be attended to last month — such as the planting
out of Broccoli, Kale, Brussels Sprouts, Celery, Leeks, and many other
kinds of vegetables, for supplying the table in autumn, winter, and
spring. For autumn use a quick growth is desirable ; but crops, espe-

308 THE GARDENER. [July

cially Broccolis, wliicli are expected to stand a severe winter, are safest
when the growth is sturdy and only medium. And ground which
is light and rich, and in good condition by having been well worked
for other crops, may be cleared off and planted without turning it over.
We have seen excellent Kale and Broccoli produced by this treatment.
We have often practised this after Winter Spinach with good results ;
and some plant their Broccoli after Strawberries, only clearing the
ground, and some time afterwards the whole surface is forked over,
and manure applied if necessary. This is said to be a sure way of
escaping " clubbing." But in old heavily-manured gardens we would
use every means to keep grubs, &c., in check by using lime-water freely.
While speaking of not breaking up ground at this season, we heard
the other day from a nobleman's gardener that he had seen excellent
crops of Winter Spinach grown on ground only cleared of weeds and
the previous crop, the drills drawn, and the seed sown in the usual
way. We recommend this '' hint " to many who are never able to
secure a crop of Winter Spinach. This vegetable often dies off at the
neck, which may sometimes be attributed to rank manure being used
immediately before planting. Our system of growing this useful vege-
table is to trench deeply a piece of ground after Strawberries or Po-
tatoes, using no manure except a little soot turned into the surface ;
and we find no difficulty in securing fine crops. We sow three times
between the end of July and first week of September. In the south
good Pease may be sown from the beginning to the middle of the month.
Early kinds are most suitable. Little Gem, or some other early dwarf
kind, may be sown on an early spot where it can be protected with
hoops and mats in autumn. Early frost, succeeded by cold rains, puts
an end to Pease in the midst of their bearing, while dwarf kinds pro-
tected may be kept on for some time. Stake growing crops before
they fall over at the necks; and if the ground is poor and light, mulch-
ing and good soakings of manure-water should be liberally supplied,
otherwise mildew and short supj)lies of good Pease may be expected.
Strong-growing kinds should be topped if growing too freely. Celery
which has been planted out for some time will take almost any quantity
of water, but thorough soakings at longer intervals are preferable to fre-
quent dribblings. Lettuce, American and Golden Cress, Piadish, and
Endive seed may be sown for autumn supply. Cool, well-moistened
ground suits best, and often prevents the crops going to seed as soon
as they come through the ground. Scarlet and French Beans should
have the pods picked off before they show the seeds in them. Atten-
tion to this and plenty of water will keep up a supply much longer ;
but frequently sowing a small piece gives the least trouble, only ground
cannot be spared in every garden. Xow is a good time to sow a late

1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 309

crop in the south ; but in more northern districts, where nights are
cold at any period of the year, protection as recommended for dwarf
Pease is necessary. We seldom ever did much with those sown after
June, but have in Wiltshire, Suffolk, Berks, and Middlesex seen good
crops from August sowings. Mild autumns have much to do Vv'ith
this. We often have a frame sown, so that late gatherings may be had.
Turnips may be sown in quantity on firm ground. If the weather
should be dry and hot, the drills should be well watered before the seed
is cast in, and the whole space may require a soaking (with a rose on
the pot) if rain does not fall. Potatoes require to be kept thor-
oughly clean, and if the young tubers are too near the surface a little
earth should be drawn over them ; but we have long since lost faith
in drawing earth up in sharp ridges to the stems of Potatoes or any
other crops, except in wet low-lying localities. Cabbage which have
been cut can be left to sprout. It is an old plan to give a good top-
dressing of manure and plenty of water, and allow the Cabbage to
remain for an autumn supply ; but where ground can be spared, planting
frequently is most satisfactory. The middle of this month and next is;
usually considered a good time to sow (in the north) for winter and
spring supplies, and those planted out now will come in useful through
the autumn. Three weeks or so later (in each case) answers in the
south. We sow from the middle of July to the end of August, which
keeps up a supply all the season ; and a sowing in March and April
will keep up a continued succession of young sweet heads. A sowing
of Early Horn Carrots may be made now, if they are required for
drawing young. Tomatoes require going over frequently, taking off
useless growths. When they are kept dwarf, stopping the shoots above
the flowers must be practised, but prevent them from being crowded.
When the main shoot can be allowed to run, and the side shoots kept
off, abundance of fine fruit can be had. Free quick growth gives the
finest produce. Those grown in pots require mulching and manure-
water. The flowers should be thinned when they are too thick.
To prevent bad setting and deformed fruit, thinning is of great
importance.

Attention to fruit-trees must now be given in earnest, especially
where the trees are young and not come to the desired size and shape.
Stop strong growths, and remove those not required. This is neces-
sary for those on walls and standards both. The more attention given
in the early stages of growth, the sooner will the trees be in a bearing
state. It is desirable to get Pears, Apples, and Cherries studded with
fruit-spurs. We have before hinted that some do nothing to their
trees till the end of the season, and success is pretty sure ; but in
these cases, wherever we have seen such trees, they have exhausted all

310 THE GARDENER. [July

the soil witliin their reach, and are at a standstill after having covered
a large surface ; or when the trees are of a smaller size suitable for
gardens, they have been lifted, root-pruned, and otherwise handled to
promote fruitfulness, and then summer-pruning is not of so much con-
sequence, except where tidiness is a consideration. We wish we could
find time to do all our pruning in summer. Some stunted trees require
all the growth they make to keep them in health ; in such cases mulch-
ing and soakings of manure-water are of great service, or lift them at
the proper season and place the roots in healthy soil. Cherries we find
more difficult to renovate than any other trees. Pears on walls should
have the shoots pulled off altogether where the spurs are already too
thick. Sun and air are of great imi)ortance in preparing the trees for
fruiting next year. All growths should be stopped by degrees, as great
quantities of wood pulled ofi" while the trees are in active growth is fatal
to success. We prefer going over the upper parts, then the centres, and
lastly along the bottom ; the growths thus become equal. Some go
over Pears and break the shoots half over, which answers pretty well ;
but the decaying leaves are untidy, and a harbour for earwigs, wood-lice,
&c. Finer kinds of Apples and Cherries grown on walls require simi-
lar treatment to Pears. Morello Cherries do best when growth is
medium, and a number of side shoots cut out yearly, and as many left
(which have started from the main branches) to fill up the vacant
space. Whatever is done now is so much towards reducing labour when
the weather is cold. Plums, Peaches, and Apricots should be kept
closely tied to the wall. In the north they seldom ripen their wood
thoroughly ; but we have seen in the south-west of England, Apricots
and Plums growing far out from the walls, and bearing heavy crops of
fine fruit — but locality makes all the difierence. Where there is rank
growth and little fruit on wall-trees, a little root-pruning at this season
can be practised with the best results. As an example, we half lifted two
Plums last season (Dovebank and Washington) which were all wood
and leaves, and little fruit. The roots were replaced in healthy loam
made firm; little more growth was made, and the few fruit ripened very
w'ell. By the end of October the leaves were turning yellow. We then
lifted the other portion of the trees. They are now bearing good crops
and looking exceedingly healthy. By this treatment no time is lost,
as often occurs when the whole of the roots are lifted in early winter.
Let grubs be picked off at once whenever they appear. Apricots
are liable to their attacks. Hellebore powder we often use with
excellent effect on wall-trees. Place 4 ounces in 2 or 3 gallons of
water, thoroughly stir it, and apply with a syringe to the under sides
of the leaves.

Roses will be tempted by good soakings of water. Guano or any

1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 311

other kind of manure-water will help ready growers. We emptied a
cesspool lately in which were the drainings from the stable-yard, and
applied the thinnest part of the liquid to a long border of new Roses.
To allow it to pass easily into the soil, two men made drills (as for
Pease) all through the border, keeping clear of the roots ; the other men
poured it into the drills, and when all was done the dry earth was
levelled in to prevent evaporation, and now the border is thoroughly
moist and the Roses growing rapidly. The remaining portion of the
liquid was thrown into Celery-ridges among the manure, which was
not very good, and the whole dug in. Suckers must be cut off clean
as soon as they appear, and all dead flowers should be picked off.
Water blooming plants in borders thoroughly when they require it,
and stir with the hoe after the surface becomes dry. Regulate the
growths of plants, to keep borders gay and neat. All decaying flowers
and leaves should be cut off, and no weeds allowed to appear. Let
trained Roses and other climbers be tied in their places to prevent
breakage by wind. Dandelions and other weeds should not be allowed
to seed in lawns ; they should be carefully taken out, and a little salt
placed in the holes to prevent any of the roots left from growing.
All the usual " keeping " — such as clipping of grass-edgings, mowing,
rolling, &c. — should be kept up diligently, now that the ornamental
grounds are becoming gay. Water Violets, and let Dahlias and Holly-
hocks have plenty of manure-water. Stake them securely, and cut off
any shoots which are crowding the plants. Propagate Pansies from
side shoots ; the younger the cuttings the finer will be the plants.
Propagate Pinks by cuttings, and layer Carnations and Picotees.
For Pinks first prepare beds of sandy light soil, in which the pipings
are placed, thoroughly watered, and hand-lights placed over them.
When making pipings, take the shoots from round the bottoms of the
stems. They should be about 2 inches long, and the lower leaves
stripped off is all the preparation they require. They should be made
firm when planted in the light rich soil. If shaded from sun, so much
the better ; an old mat or any such material will answer if the posi-
tion is exposed to sun. As the plants begin to show growth, begin to
give air, and increase it gradually till they are all rooted. The shoots
of Carnations and Picotees are sometimes propagated like Pinks, but
with a little bottom-heat. The general way is to take a little of the
soil away all round the plant and replace it with light sandy earth,
raising it above the level of the surrounding soil. Cut the leaves all off
the shoots, only leaving the upper ones (three or four). On the bottom
side of the stem, about 3 inches from the top, cut a slit (sloping up-
wards) half through the shoot, passing the knife through the joint,
doing this with care, not to sever the stem. Cut off the piece below the

312 THE GARDENER. [July

joint outside and close up to it, then peg down the split joint, so that
the shoot stands upright ; even the soil round the joint, and the whole
is finished. Water when necessary till the layer makes roots. The pegs
we use are either fern or bent pieces of willow. Auriculas, if they are
in a frame facing the north, heavy rains kept off, the drainage clear,
and all kept clean, will do well for the present. Let all plants be
attended to liberally with water, air, and cleanliness, as directed last
month. Chrysanthemums may be topped back for the last time.
Young bushy tops may be layered into small pots, and grown on if
small plants are wanted. Tie large plants out, and keep them sturdy.
Propagate fancy and other Pelargoniums by placing the cuttings under
hand-lights in sandy soil. When we lived with the late Mr Catleugh,
many thousands of the above were propagated in the open ground
annually for Covent Garden ; some of the more tender kinds were
sheltered with a frame. Cut down all those that are done flowering.
Zonals grown on liberally will take their place, and make a grand dis-
play for four months to come. Give manure-water to those which are
flowering freely. M. T.

PHYLLOXERA VASTATRIX.

We are very sorry to learn that this most formidable of all the
enemies of the Grape Vine has made its appearance in England. We
were the first to call attention to it in this country as being pre-
valent on the Continent ; little did we then think that it was at our
doors. We make the following extract from a letter addressed to us
by a gentleman in Kent : " My Vines have all grown well except two,
a Mrs Pince's Muscat and Meredith's Alicant ; these did not move more
than 2 or 3 inches, and I determined to take them up and examine
the roots. Now, 'tell it not in Gath,' the roots were swarming with
Phylloxera vastatrix, and no mistake ; there was also the winged kind.
Your description in the May number of the 'Gardener ' is very accurate.
With a glass of good power you can see it in all its stages, but you can
see it with the naked eye. It looks like grains of yellow sulphur
in the crevices of the roots; with a high power it resembles small
yellow tortoises. It barks all the roots and destroys the Vine." The
WTiter farther expresses a fear that this pest is known to be in some
nurseries, but is kept a secret. If so, no time should be lost in dis-
covering which these are, and in getting it "stamped out," to use a
phrase only too familiar to us.

1869.] NEW PLANTS OF THE PAST MONTPI. 313

WEW PLANTS OF THE PAST MONTH.

During the months of May, June, and July, when the great shows are
held in addition to the bi-monthly meetings of the Floral Committee,
the rush of new plants is so great that it is difficult to preserve an
unbroken record. For instance, at the first great show of the Eoyal
Botanic Society sixty-four first-class certificates of merit were awarded
to new plants ; of these Mr W. Bull alone took twenty-seven, and
Messrs Veitch &; Sons nineteen. In addition, ten second-class certifi-
cates were also awarded. Nearly the whole of the subjects, however,
had already been noticed in the columns of the ' Gardener.'

Of plants having undoubted claims to novelty and worth, the follow-
ing have received first-class certificates : Lselia purpurata alba, a variety
with pure white sepals and petals, and a lip faintly tinted and veined
with pale rose, and stained with yellow at the base ; to Vriesia Glazi-
ouana, a noble and massive-looking Bromeliad, with broad erect glossy
leaves recurved at the tip ; to Martinezia Lindeniana, a very distinct
Palm, with broad leaves split at the apex and jagged at the margin,
and supported on glaucous stalks, furnished with long slender spines
intertwined with shorter ones ; to Agave Yerschaffeltiana, a handsome
dwarf species, with short broad leaves irregularly edged with spines ; to
Begonia Sedeni, one of the new Japanese species, with salmon-carmine
flowers; to DavalliaMoorei, a beautiful Fern, with handsome and graceful
pale-green fronds ; to Croton Veitchii, very handsomely variegated with
creamy gold ; to Masdevallia coccinea, with high-coloured flowers ; and
to a fine variety of Miltonia spectabilis, the flowers broadly flaked with
pale rose, and coming into flower fully two months before Spectabilis; —
all these having been exhibited by Messrs Veitch & Sons of Chelsea.

The same award was made to each of eight abnormal forms of Scolo-
pendriums, all varieties of vulgare, and exhibited by Mr E. J. Lowe,
F.R.S., Highfield, Nottingham. Mr Lowe has obtained many new
forms, and some of the above group are not the least curious and inter-
esting of them. The same award was made to Mr Lowe for three new
forms of Athyrium filix-foemina, named severally Piickeltsiae, Kallistron,
and Kalon ; and to Messrs Ivery k, Sons, Dorking, for Lastrea filix-mas
cristata crispa, a somewhat novel- and taking form. Mr J. H. Ley,
Croydon, received the same award for Adiantum excisum multifidum,
var. Leyii, a singular crested form of this dwarf-growing species.

Mr B. S. Williams has received first-class certificates for Loelia mar-
ginata, a pale-flowered variety, with slight purple edges, but somewhat
wanting in massiveness ; for Littonia modesta, with orange-coloured
flowers ; and for Calamus ciliatis, a novel and elegant Palm. Messrs
Ptollisson & Son, Tooting, had a like award for Epidendrum vitellinum

3U THE GARDENER. [July

major, an old plant, having been flowered by Messrs Loddiges some
twenty-five years ago, but still rare, and having deep-shaded orange
flowers.

Subsequently to this, Messrs Veitch & Sons received a first-class cer-
tificate for Alocassia Sedeni, a hybrid between A. metallica and A. Lowi,
raised at the Chelsea Nurseries by Mr Dominy, and partaking a good
deal of the character of the latter kind. Messrs Carter & Co., Holborn,
received like awards for two handsome and strong-growing Ferns —
viz., Gymnogramma chrysophylla maxima, a golden form of noble free
growth ; and Gymnogramma calom.elanos maxima, a silver form, as
free and handsome in growth as the foregoing : and W. Wilson Saun-
ders, Esq., a similar award for a beautiful new species of a Grenadan
Acineta, with large, waxy, clear yellow flowers, having an enclosed red-
dish-brown lip.

Turning away from these valuable but generally uninteresting
plants, as far as the ordinary lovers of flowers are concerned, it is pleas-
ant to turn to something having more popular, and at the same time
charming, aspects of beauty. Foremost must be placed Clematis Lady
Londesborough, another of Mr C. Noble's new varieties, and producing
large showy flowers of a pale lilac tint. A first-class certificate was
awarded to this, and also to a new variety of the lanuginosa type,
named Excelsior, producing double flowers, the exterior florets being
of a bluish-mauve hue, with a flame of brown along each, and the
centre of the flower a tuft of small mauve-coloured florets, which came
from Mr Thomas Cripps, Tunbridge Wells. The same award was
made to Pillar Rose Prince Leopold, the exterior of the flowers dark
flushed with purple, the centre bright crimson, from Mr William Paul,
and scarcely worth the award made to it ; to Climbing Rose Duchesso
de Mecklenburg, with pale salmon rose-coloured flowers, and pro-
mising to be very useful, from J. H. Arkright, Esq., Hampton
Court, Leominster ; to Hybrid Perpetual Rose Miss Ingram, the flowers
full and nicely expanded, and of a delicate blush white, with a tinge
of deep blush in the centre ; and to Hybrid Perpetual Rose Mons.
Woolfield, bright pink suffused with rose in the centre, flowers full and
very beautiful, both from Mr C. Turner, Slough, who also received the
same award for Azalea George Eyles, soft pale salmon red, with bold
and showy stout well-formed flowers. Mr Turner also received first-
class certificates for the following large-flowering Pelargoniums of Mr
Foster's raising — viz., Maid of Honour, Corsair, Her Majesty, and
Pretender, all very fine ; Sultana, Agrippa, Heroine, Herald, and
Admiration : G. W. Hoyle, Esq., Reading, for Bonnie Charlie, Gratu-
lation, and Holkar. The same award was also made to Mr Turner for
the following splendid fancy Pelargoniums : Marmion, East Lynne,

1869.] ASPHALT WALKS. 315

Leotard, and Lady Carrington : a similar award for Bright Star, a
very good and effective silver-edged variegated variety; and for White
Clove, The Bride, with large and very full creamy-white flowers. Mr
William Paul received a first-class certificate for silver-edged Pelar-
gonium Waltham Bride, in the style of growth of Flower of the Day,
and producing pure white flowers ; Mr Harman, Denham, for variegated
Ivy-leaved Pelargonium Mr Lambert, in the way of Duke of Edinburgh,
but with more yellow in the variegation ; Mr J. W. Winsett, Chelsea,
for hybrid Ivy-leaved Pelargonium Willsii rosea, with flowers of a fine
hue of rose, smooth, and quite as circular in shape as those of the ordi-
nary zonal kinds ; and Mr Sidney Ford, The Gardens, St Leonard's
Lodge, Horsham, for Gem of the Season, a robust-growing Ivy-leaved
variety, with round smooth flowers of a pale salmon-pink hue.

The following plants, representing the second degree of excellence,
have been awarded second-class certificates : Odontoglossum Reichen-
heimii, a species with chocolate-spotted sepals and petals, and a rosy
lip white towards the tip ; and a dwarf Sarracenia somewhat resem-
bling S. flava, but with less dilated pitchers and an erect lid, both
from Messrs Veitch & Sons : Rhododendron Beauty from Messrs J.
Standish & Co., Ascot, a charming hardy variety, producing fine stiff
trusses, and rosy pink flowers of excellent form marked with a white
bar on each lobe, and with buff spots on the upper one ; Azalea Reine
Marie Henriette, pale pink, with narrow margin of white, the upper
segments heavily marked with pale scarlet, a fine and bold flower, but
somewhat rough-looking, from Mr C. Turner, Slough ; Zonal Pelar-
gonium Lord Stanley, with vivid crimson flowers, from Messrs F. &
A. Smith, Dulwich; and Pelargonium Pollie, one of the large-flower-
ing class, having rich crimson flowers heavily overlaid with dark and
rich dark top petals, dwarf-growing, and very free blooming ; one of
Mr Fosters' new flowers, and also exhibited by Mr C. Turner.

R. D.

ASPHALT WALKS.

Nothing beats good gravel walks. They look better than any other
when well kept, and " look " is not the least important consideration
in a garden. They entail an amount of keeping, however, which could
generally be well dispensed with, not to speak of the fact that gravel is
not to be had in many parts of England except at an extravagant price.
This is the case with ourselves, the nearest approach to gravel we can
procure being a kind of shale out of the coal-pits, which, after being
burnt and broken up, is of a light brick colour, assuming, after exposure
to the weather, a more subdued and respectable grey tint, suiting pretty

316 THE GARDENER. [July

well for pleasure-ground Wcalks, wliere the traffic is liglit, but, from the
softness of the material, wholly unfitted for the kitchen garden. In
this department we are therefore obliged to resort to asphalting, a
plan which was favourably noticed by the Editor of the ' Gardener '
some time ago in his notes on the gardens around Manchester, and
which I propose to describe for the benefit of those who may be dis-
posed to try it themselves, without going to the expense of employing
regular asphalters, who in this district charge, I believe, from 8d. to
Is. per square yard, finding all the materials. Those, of course, who want
a very neat job should employ them ; but for all practical purposes,
good walks may be made by common labourers, as is done here. Asphalt
walks are easily and cheaply made, are neat and durable, require no
weeding, and, as far as my experience goes, are perfectly safe as regards
injury to the roots of trees, &c., of which more anon. The materials —
gas-tar and ashes — are easily procured, both being often to be had on the
establishment. Ashes, at least, are always plentiful about a garden, and
the tar is generally to be got cheap at the nearest gas-work.

Operations for asphalting commence in winter. In wet or frosty
weather, when other work cannot be carried on, the men are set in some
out-of-the-way place to screen a quantity of ashes, using a 1-inch
barred screen or sieve. The ashes are afterwards laid up in a heap ; the
tar is brought and stored conveniently near ; and both are left till about
the month of April, which is the best time for asphalting, as there is
less danger then of severe frosts occurring to break up the " cake "
before it is thoroughly set, and it also gets time to harden before the
heat of summer sets in.

Supposing, therefore, that the walks are cut out, the bottoms filled
up with rough ashes or other material to within about 3 inches of the
desired level, rolled firm, and the edges of stone or box laid, commence
to prepare the asphalt as follows : A clean space having been made
near the large heap of sifted ashes, two men set to with shovels, by
taking about two barrowfuls from the heap and spreading it in a circle,
about 3 or 4 inches deep, a little to one side. The tar is then lifted
out of the tubs with a long-handled ladle, and poured over the ashes
until they have just got sufficient to soak them without any going to
waste by draining away. Then, much in the same way as a mason's
labourer mixes mortar, the ashes are turned quickly over once or twice,
the better to soak them, and again laid a little to one side as the
foundation of the heap. Another similar quantity of ashes is again
drawn from the large heap, soaked and turned in the same manner,
and thrown on the top of the first ; and so on, until the whole is
finished and thrown up in a conical heap. This is the first stage.
The heap is now allowed to stand for about ten days, or longer if

1869.] ASPHALT WALKS. 317

the walks are not ready. By that time the ashes will have absorbed
the tar thoroughly, and will appear to be much drier than at first,
when the same operation of turning the heap by small quantities at
a time, and soaking with tar, is again repeated as before, the object
being to add just sufficient tar to make the ashes "sticky," without
making a puddle of them. The evil of too much tar is, that the
walks are soft, and the tar comes up to the surface in the rolling.
For this reason it is better to leave the heap to drain for a week or
so after the second turning also. This much being accomplished, and
supposing all to have gone right, it will now be time to make the
walks. Some fine morning, and when there is a prospect of the
weather being dry for a day or two, all the barrows are put in
action. Two men are set to fill, with strict injunctions to take the
heap straight forward as it comes, as the ashes are always wettest
in the centre of the heap and driest at the sides ; and two are set to
spread the asphalt on the walk as it arrives, about 3 inches deep, with
iron rakes, using the back or teeth of the rake as may be needful, and
taking care to have the walk slightly round in the middle. Putting
on and spreading the asphalt does not take so long as might be
imagined — six or eight men will cover 100 yards of walk, 6 feet
broad, in about three hours. After spreading, the walk is then rolled
with a heavy roller, two men pulling it slowly along, and one going
behind sweeping the asphalt off with a besom as it sticks to the roller,
whose duty it is also to wash the roller at the end of each journey.
After being rolled for an hour or two until it is middling firm, the
walk wiU be ready for sprinkling with the spar or gravel. Whatever
material is used it should be got ready beforehand. We use Derby-
shire spar mixed with shale, which gives the walks a clean smart
appearance; but common river -gravel, put through a |-inch sieve,
would do well, and would give the appearance of a smoothly-rolled
gravel walk. The spar is sprinkled on regularly with the hand, and
just thick enough to hide the black surface of the asphalt, then rolled
in with the roller until the walk is smooth and firm, when it is finished
and fit for traffic. It should, however, be rolled for three or four
mornings in succession, before the sun gets strong, in order to insure
a firm " set."

The objections which have been urged against asphalt walks for
gardens are, that in hot weather the tar smells disagreeably, and
that it is injurious to box-edgings and the roots of trees. As regards
the smell, it soon almost disappears, and even in very hot weather it
is never so perceptible as to be in the least disagreeable. Box does
not thrive very well if it has not got established before the walks
are asphalted ; but I could point to walks in the garden here where.

318 THE GARDENER. [July

it thrives as Inxuriaiitly as could be desired, altliongli they have been
down in asphalt for years. We are, however, replacing the Box with
imitation stone -edging, which is neat and substantial, and resists
the hardest frost, harbours no vermin, saves much labour, and is in
every way superior to Box for the kitchen-garden. It is manufactured
in Hull, and sold at 8d. per yard. As far as my experience goes, I
can certify that no harm need be apprehended to the roots of fruit-
trees, as I have often seen suckers from their roots force their way
through decayed or soft places in the asphalt in abundance ; and I
could at this moment show the roots of Vines in healthy action under
walks that have been asphalted several times since the Vines were
planted. J. Simpson.

THE EDUCATION OF GARDENERS.

As one of the rising generation, I feel that it is my clear duty to write
and thank Mr David Thomson for making known his views on so im-
portant a subject as that of education for those who devote their lives
to horticulture, and I subscribe to every sentiment he has expressed.

In the present day, when every class capable of intelligent thinking
demands greater facilities for enlightenment than were sought for in
the past, it certainly seems a melancholy thing to see a gardener
holding forth on behalf of ignorance ; but bad as it looks, one not
uncommonly meets with such a spectacle, and no influences seem
sufficiently congenial to make some men become progressive in the
noblest kind of development. It is, however, consoling to remember
that no power, which those holding obsolete notions have liberty to
wield, can do much permanent harm. Besides, it is quite certain that
to be destitute of a cultivated understanding, if it ever was a blessing,
is not so now in any sense, but is, on the contrary, rather a curse; and
the individual who advocates the cause of stupidity in any form is
most decidedly out of date.

It may be asked. How do the eulogists of mere practice say a young
man ought to spend his spare time ^ Is it possible for them to declare
that it is better for him to trifle away hours than to use them in
acquiring a knowledge of the great principles on which his calling rests ?
Surely it is easy to see that the man who works by mere routine is
placed daily — nay, hourly — at an immense disadvantage.

A plant is sent home from one of the Indian mountains, and an
operator unable to tell in reality what physical geography means gets
charge of it. Everybody knows that India, on the whole, has a repu-
tation for being a warm place, and without further consideration the

1869.] PARIS FLOWER-SHOW. SlQf

unfortunate stranger is consigned to the stove and dies. But tliere is
no need to multiply illustrations.

It- is my firm conviction — a conclusion formed from a review of daily
practical handwork during the last six years — that such a knowledge,
let us say, of the functions which leaves perform in the vegetable
economy as any intelligent young man may get by reading over the
chapter devoted to the subject in Lindley's ' Theory and Practice of
Horticulture ' three or four times, with a week's interval between them,
and thinking over in the mean time, will raise the value of his work, or
at any rate of his capability for any gardening which is not mere
drudgery, by at least ten per cent. This is the view which I trust is
penetrating by slow degrees the minds of employers and employed,
and which I think is the duty of- all who wish well to the interests of
gardening to enforce by precept and example at every practicable
opportunity.

And as regards the range of subjects, I think that a gardener ought
to take an unfeigned delight in becoming acquainted with every science
that has a bearing on his profession.

From the making of effort in almost any direction the mind ought
to receive tone and strength, just as the bodily condition is improved
by reasonable exercise. Intercourse with the best authorities through
books hardly ever fails to result profitably, and of course no honest or
truly earnest man will let study interfere with the right performance
of any portion of actual duty. Further, a very powerful instrument,
known as hunger, urges most men, even those of an indolent disposi-
tion, into a state of activity ; and as no gardener has yet learned the
famous trick of economy the man wanted to teach his horse, profes-
sionals are pretty certain to keep on doing, however much they may
neglect thinking. J. D.

PARIS FLOWER-SHOW.

This exhibition, which opened on the 18th May and extended over a week, was
held in the Palais de I'lndustrie, and as the French system of showing is so very
different to what is seen in this country, perhaps a few remarks on the above may
be interesting to the readers of the ' Gardener' who have not had an opportunity
of witnessing a Parisian flower-show. Wherever an exhibition is to be held,
either in or about Paris, the ground is carefully measured and laid off in the style
of a flower-garden, with broad walks intersecting, the figures being allotted to
the different exhibitors according to the space they may require. In the flower
department the centre of the figure is generally filled with fine foliage-plants,
edged with dwarf Azaleas, Geraniums, Coleuses, &c.; the pots plunged entirely
out of sight often leads the uninitiated to believe that the plants are permanently
bedded out. Fruit-trees, again, are shown in different modes of training — hori-

320 THE GARDENER. [July

zontal, fan, and pyramidal; this in itself is very useful, and seems to attract con-
siderable attention. The gold medal for a collection of Azaleas was awarded to
M. Margottin for a most effective contribution of about" thirty varieties, all standards,
the stems varying from 1.^ to 2 feet higb, bearing flat-trained heads. Although
this mode of training is not exactly in keeping with our English ideas of what an
exhibition Azalea should be, still when placed in rows or massed together, and all
of a uniform height, the effect produced is very striking.

M. Bleu put up a group of beautiful Caladiums, comprising many magnificent
seedlings not yet in commerce. Particularly may be mentioned Barillet, rich
scarlet-crimson centre and veins, pale-green edging; Onslow, large bronzy-crim-
son centre and veins, with green edge, the leaf covered with large rose-coloured
spots, rendering it very attractive. Amongst named varieties now in trade the
following will prove valuable additions to any collection : Meyerbeer, in the way
of Belleymeii, bat having dark bronzy-crimson centre and veins; Max Kolb,
light-green ground, pale centre, heavily spotted with dark bronzy-crimson;
Alfred Bleu, rich green leaf, with pure wbite spots and flesh-coloured centre.
Imperatrice Eugenie, glaucous green, with elegant violet-rose centre ; Dr Lindley,
crimson centre, the green ground marked with rose blotches ; Reine Victoria,
style of Belleymeii, green veins and margin, spotted or marbled with crimson —
this variety, along with Dr Lindley, received first-class certificates in London
last season.

An attractive feature of the show was a large and beaiitifully flowered collection
of annuals grown in pots from Messrs Vilmorin, Andrieux, & Co. The various
colours blended together had a very x^leasing effect. It is to be regretted that this
lovely class of flowers receive so little attention, and are so seldom seen at our
flower-shows.

M. Creste received a silver medal for a group of dwarf-grown Mignonette ; this
was remarkably well done in 6-inch pots, each averaging between fifteen and
twenty heads of bloom.

Messrs Downie, Laird, & Laing, Edinburgh and London, exhibited new
Coleuses, for which they were awarded the large silver medal. The finest in this
lot were Albert Victor, Princess Royal, Baroness Rothschild, &c. Also silver
medal for their new gold and bronze Geraniums Crown Prince, Prima Donna, J.
W. Morris, and Imperatrice Eugenie.

The medal of honour given by the city of Paris for the best collection of
spotted Pelargoniums was awarded to M. Dufoy, with a superb lot of about fifty
varieties. These were very tastefully ai-ranged, and formed one of the principal
attractions of the show.

Fancy Pansies wex'e numerous and well flowered in pots. The main object being
brilliant and effective colours, fine forms and smooth edges seem to be dis-
regarded.

Magnificent foliage-plants were exhibited by vai'ious growers, among which we
noticed fine specimens of Cycas revoluta, Corypha Australis, Cycas circinalis,
Latania Bourbonica, &c.; also good examples of the Royal Horticultural Society's
Coleuses of 1868.

In the afternoon the exhibition was honoured with a visit from the Emperor
and Empress, who seemed to take a lively interest in the various articles brought
forward for exLibition.

1869.] HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. 321

HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS.

Crystal Palace. — In the order of dates, the next great exhibition in the London
district took place at the Crystal Palace, Sydenham, on Saturday the 15th of May.
There was a falling off in iome things — probably the frequency with which shows
are held at this time of the year would tend to produce this. Then the great size
of the building assists not only to dwarf things almost to comparative insignificance,
but those at all defective have their defects brought out very prominently indeed.
True it is that awnings are stretched across the naves of the building and those
parts of the centre transept in which the show is held; but these fail to produce
the desired effect, while on a hot summer day the light above them is very
glaring. Still the Crystal Palace is a place of favourite resort, and thousands of
persons go there to visit the flower-shows, and appear to be delighted with them.

The collections of stove and greenhouse plants in flower were very numerous,
the specimens on the whole very good and in excellent bloom, but the kinds
almost, if not quite, the same as last year. Mr W. Chapman, gardener to J.
Spode, Esq., Hawkesyard Park, Rugeley, was most deservedly first in the class
for sixteen, with, among others, beautifully grown and flowered specimens of
Eriostemon pulchellum and neriifolium, Epacris miniata splendens, Ixora coccinea,
Pimelea spectabilis rosea, Adenandra fragrans, Chorozema varium nanum, Acro-
phyllum venosum, Clerodendron Thomsonoe Balfourii, Azalea Iveryana, Pimelea
mirabilis, and Polygala Dalmaisiana not fully out. Mr Peed, gardener to Mrs
Tredwell, Lower Norwood, was second with Tetratheca ericsefolia, Acrophyllum
venosum, Lescheuaultia formosa, of which the scarlet flowers made a pleasing
variety ; flue plants of Erica Cavendishii and ventricosa magnifica, a large Gene-
tyllis Hookeri, Eriostemon buxifolium and neriifolium, Allamanda grandiflora,
not fully out, but which will be very fine ; Azaleas, &c. Mr Wheeler, gardener
to J. Philpott, Esq., Stamford Hill, and Mr Kemp, gardener to the Duke of
Northumberland, Albury Park, Dorking, were third and fourth. In the nursery-
men's class for ten, Mrs Glendinning & Sons of the Chiswick Nurseries were
first with an excellent collection, most noticeable in which were a balloon-
trained Kennedya inophylla floribunda, Stephanotis floribuuda, Pimelea specta-
bilis, Aphelexis macrantha purpurea, and Eriostemon buxifolium. Messrs
Jackson & Son, Kingston, were second ; Mr "Williams, Holloway, third. In
the corresponding class for amateurs the prizes went to Mr Wilkie ; Mr Donald,
gardener to J. G. Barclay, Esq., Leyton ; Mr Carr, gardener to P. L. Hinds, Esq.,
Byfleet Lodge; and Mr Peed, an extra prize being awarded to Mr Kemp. Among
their collections was a splendid plant of Medinilla magnifica from Mr Donald,
Genetyllis tulipifera and Hookeri, Dracophyllum gracile, Chorozemas, Pthynchos-
permum jasminoides,^ Clerodendron Thomsonse, Boronia tetrandra, the pretty
Rose -flowered Adenandra fragrans, Epacrise?, Azaleas, and Ericas. In the
amateurs' class for six, Mr Ward, gardener to F, G. Wilkins, Esq., Leyton, was
first with a fine plant of Chorozema Chandleri 4 feet in diameter, Clerodendron
Thomsonie Balfourii, very fine ; Stephanotis floribunda, large, and in beautiful
condition ; Erica Cavendishii, Aphelexis macrantha purpurea, and a rather
small plant of Genetyllis tulipifei'a. Mr Wright, gardener to A. C. Roberts,
Esq., Avenue Road, Regent's Park, was second with a good collection ; Mr
Wilkie, and Mr AVheeler, gardener to Sir F. Goldsmid, Bart., being third and
fourth.

Mixed collections of flowering and fine-foliaged plants, though good, were not
remarkable. Mr Laing, gardener to P. W. Flowers, Esq., Furze Down, Tooting

Y

322 THE GARDENER. [July

Common, was first for twelve, with a collection in which were good examples of
Dractcna indivisa, Yucca aloifolia variegata, Dasylirion longifolium, Pandanus
ornatus, Dicksouia autarctica, Aphelexis macrantha purpurea, Ixora cocciuea,
Erica ventricosa coccinea, and a yellow-flowered Mahernia, which, though free-
flowering, has rather a weedy appearance. Mr Young, gardener to W. H. Stone,
Esq., Leigh Park, Havaut, was second with a good collection ; and equal third
prizes were awarded to Mr Foreman, gardener to G. Maule, Esq., Denmai-k Hill,
and Mr Gell, gardener to Mrs Beaufoy, South Lambeth. The former had a fine
Anthurium Scherzerianum, and the latter fine specimens of Sanchezia nobilis
variegata and Pandanus elegantissimus. For collections of six, Mr Wilkie was
first, Mr Peed second, and Mr Carr third. Mr Young and Mr Woodward had also
good collections. Among the plants shown were good specimens of Khododen-
dron Countess of Haddington, Erica insiguis and Spenceriana, Dracopbyllura
gracile, Leptopteris superba, Zamia Lehmanni, Crotons, Alocasia metallica,
Maranta Yeitchii, and Pandanus javanicus variegatus.

There was an extensive display of Heaths, and many of the specimens were all
that could be desired, though, as a whole, the show of these plants appeared less
effective than usual. The most conspicuous for their excellence were Victoria,
Ventricosa of different varieties, Perspicua nana, Beaumontiana, Alberti, Candi-
dissima. Tricolor elegans, Massoni major, Eassoniana, Tortulseflora, Aristata major,
and Candolleana. Mr Rhodes, Messrs Jackson, and Mr Morse among nursery-
men, and Messrs Ward, Wheeler, and Kemp among amateurs, took the prizes
for eight kinds. Those for six kinds went to Messrs Peed, Ward, Carr, and
Wheeler.

Azaleas, as already remarked, were not equal to what they were at previous
shows ; exception must, however, be made of the magnificent plants from ]\Ir Car-
son, gardener to W. R. G. Farmer, Esq., Nonsuch Park, Cheam, who was first for
eight. These consisted of Triumphans, Model, Murrayana, Formosa, the yellow
Sinensis, Exquisite, Stanleyana, and Criterion. Mr Wheeler, gardener to Sir F.
H. Goldsmid, Bart., and Mr Gell, gardener to Mrs Beaufoy, were second and
third, with very good specimens of Apollo, Violacea superba, Roi Leopold, Iveryana,
Mi's Fry, and other kinds. Among nurserymen the prizes for eight were taken
by Mr Williams, Mr Turner, and Mr Rhodes ; and for six, by Mr Williams, Mrs
Glendinning & Sons, Messrs Dobson, and Mr Rhodes. In the amateurs' class for
six, Mr Chapman was first with excellent bushy plants ; Mr Wilkie, Mr Wood-
ward, and Mr Wheeler, Regent's Park, taking the remaining prizes.

Of Orchids there was but a small show, though some of the specimens were very
good. Mr Young, gardener to W. H. Stone, Esq., M.P., Leigh Park, Havant, was
first for twenty with a good collection, in which we noticed Cypripedium Lowii,
fine Vandas, especially two varieties of Vanda tricolor, Phaleenopsis amabilis and
Schilleriana, the latter with a fine branching spike 3 feet in length ; Aerides
Fieldingii and odoratum, a very fine Cattleya Mossise, Oncidium sphacelatum, and
0. pulverulentum. Mr Peed, who was second in the same class, had a fine
Oncidium ampliatum majus, Vanda tricolor, Dendrobium chrysotoxum, &c. In
the nurserymen's class for ten, Mr Williams took the first prize with a splendid
plant of Aerides virens, not, however, in fine bloom, good Vandas and Cypri-
pediums, a finely-coloured Cattleya superba, Anguloa uniflora, and others. The
best collection shown, however, was that which was first in the class for twelve,
and which came from Mr Wilson, gardener to W. Marshall, Esq. of Enfield, who
had beautiful examples of Odontoglossum Alexandrse, Oncidium serratum, Cypri-
pedium villosum, Odontoglossum luteo-purpuream, Lycaste Skinneri, Cypripedium
caudatum with nine flowers, and petals upwards of 2 feet long, Lselia grandis, a

1869.] HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. 323

Stanhopea, said to be new, with cream-coloured flowers, Aerides crispum, and
Trichopilia crispa. Mr Eckford, gardener to the Earl of Radnor, Coieshill, was
second in the same class. His specimens of Saccolabium gnttatum, retusum, and
praemorsum were very fine, especially the last, which had eight spikes, two of
which were of great beauty.

Roses were not shown so numerously as might have been expected, nor were
some of the flowers exhibited so fresh as could be wished for ; nevertheless, in
Messrs Paul & Son's collection of ten, which took the first prize, there was a mag-
nificent specimen of Victor Verdier, and good examples of John Hopper, Lord
Clyde, and Madame Margottin. Mr Turner, who took the second prize, had some
well-grown and beautifvilly-flowered specimens of Charles Rouillard, Miss Ingram,
Clotilde Roland, and Reine du Midi. For twelve varieties in 8-inch pots, Mr
Turner and Messrs Paul & Son were placed equal first. The latter firm also con-
tributed a large miscellaneous collection, which mainly consisted of the well-
known kinds.

Pelargoniums, though few, were in fair condition. Messrs Dobson & Sons,
Isleworth, were the only exhibitors in the nurserymen's classes, and received the
first prizes in both instances ; their specimens of Maid of Honour, Marksman,
Charles Turner, Statesman, and Beacon, and (among Fancies) of Lucy, Tormen-
tor, Godfrey, and Roi des Fantasies, were especially well grown and abundantly
flowered. In the amateurs' class for twelve, Mr "Ward, gardener to F. G. Wilkius,
Esq., exhibited some very large and well-bloomed specimens, of which the follow-
ing were particularly showy : Desdemona, Sir Colin Campbell, Lilacina, Gari-
baldi, Etna, and Mademoiselle Patti. For six Fancies in 8-inch pots, Mr D.
Donald, gardener to J. G. Barclay, Esq., came first with a very good collection;
and the third was awarded to Mr W. Foreman,

The show of bouquets, which formed one of the principal features of the exhibi-
tion, did not produce such an amount of competition as was expected, neverthe-
less there were a few tastefully-arranged groups of three, consisting of a vase
bouquet, a bridal bouquet, and one suitable for the ball-room. Those shown by
Mr ^Y. Howard, gardener to J. Brand, Esq.,Balham, took the first prize ; Mr
Dickson, Covent Garden, who is an artist in the manufacture of bouquets, came in
second, with fine examples of taste and skill in arrangement ; Mr F. Perkins of
Leamington was third, M. Van der Driessche, Leys, Ghent, being awarded a
special prize. Single bouquets were exhibited by Messrs Lucking Brothers, West-
bourne Park ; Mr F. Perkins, Leamington ; and M. Van der Driessche, Leys,
Ghent, who carried off the prizes in the order in which their names are men-
tioned. Some of these were tolerably effective, but nothing was shown of strik-
ing merit.

Royal Botanic Society, May 19.— There is no show held in London or near
it that can compete with this for general effect, and those are to be envied who
are privileged to look upon it for the first time. There is always a beautiful
freshness about it, and the arrangement of the tent gives pleasant aspects of light
and shade, the glare of the flowers being nicely toned down by the more sober
garb of the foliaged plants.

In the amateurs' class for ten stove and greenhouse plants, Mr W. Chapman,
gardener to J. Spode, Esq., Rugeley, furnished splendid plants of Ixora coccinea,
Erica ventricosa coccinea minor, &c. Mr Wilkie had a grand specimen of Medi-
nilla magnifica, Pimelea mirabilis, and Dracophyllum gracile, finely flowered.
From Mr J. Ward, gardener to F. G. Wilkins, Esq., came a well -grown collec-
tion, in which Tremandra ericsefolia, Clerodendron Balfourianum, Stephanotis

321: THE GARDENER. [July

floribuuda, Ericas — tricolor, elegans, and Cavendishiana — were in first-rate con-
dition ; as also were specimens of Pimelea Hendersoni, Azalea Criterion, and
Eriostemon buxifolium, contributed by Mr B. Peed. In the corresponding class
for nurserymen, Messrs Qlendiuning & Sons, Messrs Jackson & Son, Kingston ;
Mr B. S. Williams and Mr 0. Rhodes, were the prize-takers — each furnishing fine
groups of admirably-grown })lants. Mr D. Donald exliibited some grand speci-
mens in the class for six, amongst which Adenandra fragrans, Clerodendron
ThomsonJB, and a large well-flowered Epacris grandiflora, were very conspicuous.
Azaleas, Ericas, and Epacris miniata splendens, in good condition, were also con-
tributed by Mr G. Wheeler ; and a very neat group came from Mr W. Kemp.
Fine-foliage and other flowering plants were furnished by Mr Fairbairn, Syou
House Gardens, who had a well-grown specimen of Mai-anta rosea picta, wiih very
clear markings; a very large plant of Thamnopteris nidus, Cocos nucifera, and
the brownish-yellow flowered Oucidium altissimum. Mr A. Wright contributed
good plants of Pandanus ornatus and P. javanicus variegatus ; a remarkably well-
grown specimen of Phoenocoma prolifera was shown in the collection sent by Mr
J. Carr ; and Mr D. Donald furnished good specimens of Dipladenia amabilis,
a fine specimen of Dracaena lineata, Clerodendron Balfourianum, and a well-grown
plant of Cordyline iudivisa. Mr Peed, Mr G. Young, and Mr Wilkie also contri-
buted very effective groups.

Cape Heaths were shown in beautiful condition in the nurserymen's class by
Mr B, S. Williams, Messrs Jackson & Son, and Mr Rhodes ; and in the class for
amateurs very nice groups were furnished by Mr J. Ward, Messrs J, & G.
Wheeler, and Mr Peed.

Azaleas were shown in very fair condition, but not nearly so good as on pre-
vious occasions. Mrs Glendinning & Sons contributed the best eight in the
nurserymen's class. Mr^B. S. Williams furnished some nicely-flowered specimens,
and took the second prize. Mr Turner and Mr Rhodes were also competitors, and
received the other prizes. In the amateurs' class for eight, Mr Wilkie, Addison
Road, Kensington, came first, with some well-grown and nicely -flu wei-ed speci-
mens, of which Elegans superb and Magnificent were especially good, as also were
Mars, Delecta, and Ci'iterion, furnished by Mr Chapman.

Of Orchids there was a good bank of well-grown plants. The best six in the
nurserymen's class came from Mr B. S. Williams, who had a grand specimen of
Dendrobium densiflorum, having six spikes of bright orange flowers ; a fine Cypri-
pedium barbatum superbum, and the bright yellow Oucidium ampliatum majus.
Mr Bull, who was second, contributed a good plant of Augrsecum sesquipedale,
some nicely-flowered Vandas, and Cattleya Mossise, finely coloured. In the cor-
responding class for amateurs, Mr J. Ward, gardener to F. G. Wilkins, Esq.,
Tjcyton, had a magnificent plant of the free-flowering Oncidium sphacelatum, the
prettily-fringed Oncidium serratum, a fine spike ; Mr Hill, gardener to R. Han-
bury, Esq., Poles, Ware, Herts, furnished a fine Lselia purpurata, with eleven very
large flowers, and Cattleya lobata, in good condition ; Mr A. Wright sent Odonto-
glossum hastilabium, Aerides odoratum, and Tricbopilia suavis, all nicely bloomed.
In Mr B. Peed's collection of eight were some well-grown and beautifully-flowered
Vandas, &c., and Oncidium ampliatum majus, with six fine spikes. In this class
Mr Eckford, gardener to the Earl of Radnor, also furnished some charmingly-
flowered specimens of Saccolabiums, Oncidiums, and Cattleyas, &c. ; while from
Mr G. Young, gardener to W. H. Stone, Esq., came a good collection, like that
exhibited by him at the Crystal Palace ; and a very interesting group was fur-
nished by Mr J. Wheeler, gardener to J. Phillpott, Esq., Stamford Hill.

Ferns, though not numerously exhibited, were shown in good condition by Mr

1869.] HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. 325

"W. Taylor, gardener to J. Yates, Esq., Highgate, who had beautiful specimens of
Cyathea excelsa and medullaris, Gymnogramma Mertensii, Davallia bullata, and
Dicksonia antarctica ; by Mr Wilkie, who had Lomaria nuda, Cyathea dealbata,
and Gleichenia semivestita, a fine and exceedingly well-grown specimen of which
was also shown by Mr A. Wright, who furnished a very fine group. In addition
to the Ferns exhibited, Mr Parsons, gardener to R. Attenborough, Esq. , Acton
Green, contributed an admirably-grown group of Lycopodiums.

Of Pelargoniums, which formed one of the most attractive features of the show,
admirable collections were shown both in the amateurs' and nurserymen's classes.
In the former class especially, the nine furnished by Mr J. Ward, gardener to F.
G. Wilkins, Esq., which took the first prize, were remarkably well grown, the fol-
lowing sorts being the most effective : Rose Celestial, about 4 feet through, literally
covered with bloom; Lilacina, Mademoiselle Patti, Conqueror, and Caractacus. Mr
D. Windsor took the second prize with some very well-grown specimens. For six
Fancies, Mr Windsor was first with a finely-flowered collection, and Mr D. Donald
second with good specimens of the usual show varieties. Messrs Dobson & Sons
took the leading prizes in the nurserymen's classes, with some admirably-grown
specimens, Messrs Glendinning & Sons of Chiswick coming in second.

Roses were shown in a very good and fresh condition by Mr Turner and Mr
Wm. Paul, who took the prizes in the nurserymen's class for 10 -inch pots, not larger
than 13 inches in diameter. In Mr Turner's collection were magnificently-flowered
specimens of Vicomte Vigier, John Hopper, Paul Perras, Marechal Vaillant, Sou-
venir de la Malmaison, and Charles Lawson, a grand specimen, having about fifty
nearly-expanded blooms. Mr Wm. Paul furnished admirable examples of Madame
Charles Wood, Jean Goujon, Louise Odier, Madame Willermoz, Victor Verdier,
and Paul Rieaut. Mr J. Terry, gardener to A, G. Puller, Esq., Youngsbury, Ware,
Herts; and Mr T. Godfrey, gardener to J, Anderson, Esq., Inkerwyke House,
Wraysbury, also contributed very nice specimens in the class for six. Charming
collections were also exhibited by Mr W. Paul, who had Rev. H. Dombrain, Le
Rhone, Madame Pillion, and Alba rosea, all in good condition, and by Messrs Paul
& Son, who furnished in a very nice lot a specimen of Michel Bonnet, a fine-
shaped bright pink flower. The latter firm also contributed ten boxes, filled with
a rich and varied collection of cut Roses, of mostly well-known kinds.

Special Prize and Pelargonium Show, South Kensington, May 22d. —
Although the leading features of the show were the Zonal Pelargoniums of various
sections, and the Roses which are above reported on, there was a large and very
interesting display of other plants, including numerous novelties submitted to the
Floral Committee.

The President's prize for the best nine Azaleas was taken by Mrs Glendinning
& Sons of the Chiswick Nurseries, with large plants in fine bloom, among which
were Extrani, Optima, Madame Miellez, Iveryana, Eulalie, Duke of Devonshire,
and Petuniseflora. Extra prizes were awarded to Messrs Lee of Hammersmith,
and Mr Wilkie, gardener at Oak Lodge, Addison Road, Kensington, for well-
bloomed specimens of Broughtoni, Coronate, Elegans sujDerb, Magnificent, Duke
of Devonshire, and other well-known sorts.

Of groups of fine-foliaged and flowering plants, the best came from Mr Turner
of Slough. In this there was a fine specimen of Charles Lawson Rose, but far
from equal to the dazzling plant of the same variety in the collection of nine, with
which he gained the President's prize. He had also Iveryana Improved Azalea in
fine bloom, and among fine-foliaged plants large specimens of Aralia palmata, Pan-
danus utilis, and Dracaena australis. Mrs Glendinning & Sons were second, and

326 THE GARDENER. [July

had a fine bushy Pimelea spectabilis, and a handsome Theophrasta imperialis. Mr
Wheeler, gardener to Sir F. (loldsmid, Bart, M.P., Regent's Park, and Mr Wilkie,
also exhibited neat groups in this and the class for six flowering stove and green-
house plants, in which they were respectively first and second.

The Silver Flora Medal for six new plants sent out in 1867 or 1868, was gained
by Messrs Veitch with Dendrobium Bensoniee, a beautiful Moulmein species
with white flowers, having an orange lip; Retinospora filicoides; Sanchezia nobilis
variegata, one of the most effective of variegated plants ; the true Vanda insignis,
not that which has hitherto passed under that name ; Dractena regina, a handsome
broad-leaved variegated kind ; and Alocasia Jenniugsii, a fine specimen, with the
black blotches contrasting beautifully with the green ground colour. The same
firm also took the Bronze Flora Medal, or second prize, with a beautiful pan of
Abutilon Thompsoni, Begonia Boliviensis, Nepenthes hybrida, Acalypha tricolor,
a fine addition to ornamental-foliaged plants, and of which a specimen was exhib-
ited in one collection of these at the last Regent's Park Show ; Phormium Colensoi
variegatum, with narrow leaves edged with white, becoming red at the base ; and
the pretty small-growing Davallia parvula.

Messrs Veitch were again first and second for six new plants sent out in 1869.
Their first-prize collection consisted of Croton maximum, beautifully veined and
spotted with yellow, very handsome; Mai-anta tubispatha, very striking by its
small regularly -placed reddish chocolate blotches ; Davallia hemiptera, a charming
little dark green Fern ; Dractena Macleayi, with dark bronzy foliage ; D. nigro-
rubra, with red and bronze leaves ; and Croton Hillianum, with foliage richly
marked with orange and crimson. Messrs Veitch's second-prize collection con-
sisted of Darwinia fimbriata, with pleasing white flowers tinged with pink on the
outside of the bells — this received a second-class certificate, a first being given to
Leptopteris Wilksiana ; Dieffenbachia Wallisii, with a white band along the mid-
rib, and white markings ; Maranta princeps, and Chimboracensis, two handsomely-
marked kinds, especially the latter ; and Croton aucubsefolium, with the leaves
marked with small yellow blotches.

Of a new plant shown for the first time in flower in Great Britain there was
only one exhibition, that of Messrs Veitch, who took the first prize, as well as a
first-class certificate from the Floral Committee, for Dendrobium Jamesianum,
•with large white and orange flowers, which, when it comes to be grown to a larger
size, will no doubt be a handsome addition to this highly ornamental genus.

The first prize for a new ornamental-foliaged plant, shown for the first time in
Great Britain, was also taken by Messrs Veitch with Croton Hookeri, a magnifi-
cent plant from the iSTevv Hebrides, with the leaves of a most beautiful clear
yellow in the centre, edged with green. The second prize was likewise taken by
Messrs Veitch with Dracaena magnifica, from the Solomon Isles, with very broad
brownish-red leaves. Both the above plants received first-class certificates, as
also Canna Smithii, having yellow variegated leaves, from Mr Wimsett. Dracaena
albicans, from Messrs Veitch, in which the leaves are variegated with white, was
also shown in this class, but it was not equal to D. Regina ; also Alocasia Sedeni,
a hybrid raised between A. Lowii and A. metallica, having large handsome leaves
of a metallic greyish green on the upper side, and purplish crimson on the reverse.
A first-class certificate was awarded to the same firm for Dracaena Chelsoui, from
Banks Island, with bronze leaves edged with rich rosy red.

Messrs Veitch were again first in the class for a new garden seedling in flower,
with Rhododendron Lady Rolle, a flower of fine outline, white tinged with blush,
with a blotch of cinnamon spots in the upper petals. Mr Wimsett was second
with Pelargonium Willsii rosea, one of the new hybrids between the Ivy-leaved

1869.] HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. 327

and Zonal sections, having large broad leaves resembling those of the former, and
deep Hose-coloured flowers, with petals of fine outline. Both the above plants
received first-class certificates from the Floral Committee. Mr Wimsett also
exhibited Willsii with handsome foliage, but the flowers not so large nor of such
good form ; and Mr Groom, of Ipswich, had also a hybrid Ivy-leaf, but not equal
to either of the preceding.

Coming now to the portion of the Exhibition devoted to the Pelargoniums, it
may be observed that for two years past an annual exhibition of variegated Pelar-
goniums has been held at the end of the summer, the prizes being subscribed by
raisers and growers of the same. This year the show has been held much earlier
than usual, and that for a very intelligible and substantial reason — namely, that
some of the variegated Pelargoniums are in much better condition at one season
of the year than at another, consequently those which colour well in the early
months of the year would be getting out of condition at the end of the summer.
There were classes for the best example of each of the many divisions into which
Pelargoniums are now arranged — the condition being that three plants of each vai'ie-
ty be shown, in order to exclude seedling plants. In the class for the best golden-
edged variegated Zonal Pelargoniums, thirty-six varieties were staged ; Messrs E.
G. Henderson & Sons alone staging twenty-two vai'ieties. This firm took the
first prize with Peter Grieve, a fine habited variety, raised by Mr Peter Grieve,
The Gardens, Culford Hall, Bury St Edmunds, who has not only raised some of
the best kinds now in cultivation, but has also published an excellent little
treatise on the cultivation of the variegated Zonal Pelargonium, which amateur
gi'owers especially should consult. Mr C. Turner, Slough, and ^Messrs Carter & Co.,
London, were placed equal second — the former with Mrs Headley, the latter with
Prince of Wales ; between these two varieties as exhibited there was clearly no
perceptible difiference. Mr Turner was third with Achievement. One could not
help being struck with the sorry appearance presented by some of the finely-
marked kinds that had the appearance of being almost perfect when shown as
seedlings. Making certain deductions for the deterioration invariably observed
in plants when propagated from the seedling, as well as some of them being out
of condition at this season of the year, it did yet appear that these newer kinds
of variegated Pelargoniums are sadly over-propagated in the great haste to obtain
stock, to the manifest detriment of the plants. Assuming what is regarded as an
actual fact by botanists, that variegation is a diseased condition, it is easy to per-
ceive how excessive propagation would aggravate this inherent weakness, and re-
duce the plants to something approaching a pitiable condition. Many of the newer
kinds will not be in possession of their true vigour and robustness of character for
a few years to come ; and till that condition is reached, if they should not be
blotted out of commerce, will bear the character of being unworthy of cultivation.

Briefly, it may be stated, that the best Variegated Zonals with silver edges were
Excellent and Lady B. Bridges, both shown by Mr C. Turner ; and Mrs Colonel
"Wilkinson, by Mr Coomber, Highgate — the awards being given in the order of the
names. These promise to be fine additions to this class, having excellent habits,
and being finely coloured. The last named has the fault of the leaves being too
concave, and thus presenting a cupped appearance and a rough exterior, with the
additional fault of holding water. The foregoing classes represent what are popu-
larly, but erroneously, termed "Tricolor Geraniums."

The Gold and Bronze Zonals — or what are generally termed " Bicolors " — were
grand; and Messrs Downie, Laird, & Laing, of London and Edinburgh, who are
clean ahead of any other raiser with these fine varieties, were first, second, and
third, with J. W. Morris, Red Ring, and Imperatrice Eugenie. The leaves of the

328 THE GARDENER. [July

two former are almost perfect in shape, and have lively and regular reddish-choco-
late zones on a golden-leaf ground ; these are quite distinct from each other. The
third is a very robust-growing and finely-marked kind, with large and somewhat
irregular leaves. Of self-coloured leaved varieties — i.e., those of the Cloth-of-
Gold section — the new kinds shown w^ere very poor ; in fact, there is abundant
room for improvement here. Of the Silver-edged section — viz., green leaves,
edged cream or white — that veteran florist, Mr Turner of Slough, set at defiance
all comers, being first with Bright Star, second with May Queen, and third with
Mr Cutler — all fine-habited and striking kinds ; the first named with finely-formed
orange-scarlet flowers. In the competition for the best Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums
an altogether unique hybrid variety, shown by Mr J. W. Wimsett of the Ash-
burnham Park Nursery, Chelsea, received the first prize. It is a true hybrid, and
was raised from a cross between the old Ivy-leaved Pelargonium and a Zonal variety,
by Mr John Wills, late of Huntroyde Gardens, Burnley, and now manager to Mr
Wimsett. It has the old Ivy-leaf type of foliage, except that it is shorter-pointed
and more compact in habit, while the flowers, which are of a lively rose-colour,
are as rounded and perfect in shape as one of the Zonal kinds. It is unquestion-
ably one of the most remarkable hybrid Pelargoniums ever produced.

In Nosegays the first prize was taken by Mr Turner with Fire King, a very
bright and large-trussed variety ; while in Zonals Messrs F. & A. Smith carried off
the first with a fine new salmon-coloured flower of large size and good form. Acme, a
most decided advance. Mr George Smith of Edmonton was second with Lord Stanley.

The competition in class 21 for six Golden Variegated Zonals was very close,
and brought together a most beautiful lot of plants. The prize was taken by
Messrs Carter & Co. for admirable plants of Mrs Dunnett, a very smooth and
bright-leaved variety ; Prince of Wales, already mentioned ; Sir Eobert Napier,
very dark, and distinct from all others ; and Edith Stuart. Mr Charles Turner
•was second with Lady CuUum, Mrs Headley, already referred to, Mrs Turner,
Sophia Cusack, G. Moreton, and Lucy Grieve, very much out of colour. Mr
Stevens of Ealing was third with capitally-grown plants, although, perhaps, not so
bright in colour as the others, of Lucy Grieve, Sophia Dumaresque, Sophia Cusack,
Lady Cullum, Mrs Turner, and Countess of Tyrconnell.

In class 22, for silver variegated Zonals, Mr C. Turner was fii'st with Miss
Stevens, Italia Unita, Excellent, Lucy, Mable Morris, and Hon. Mrs Falconer ;
Messrs E. G. Henderson & Co., second with Silver Cloud, Charming Bride, Glen
Eyre, Beauty, Italia Unita, Caroline Longfield, and Silver Star ; IMessrs F. & A.
Smith were third with Peri, Lady of the Lake, Caroline Longfield, &c.

The gold and bronze kind were very fine, Messrs Downie, Laird, & Laing taking
first with Red Ring, Crown Prince, Prima Donna, Mrs Alan Lowndes, Stanstead
Beauty, and Harrison Weir. These were all admirable plants, exhibiting both
the dark and light forms of zone— the former most effective for the house, the
latter for out-of-door work — and were all raised by the exhibitor, most of them
being sent out this spring; Messrs Carter & Co. were second with Southern
Belle, Ada, Danae, Cleopatra, Black Prince, and Egyptian Queen ; Messrs F. & A.
Smith third with Tom Brown, Arab, Sybil, Criterion, The Moore, and Hannibal.
Both these collections were excellent, and indeed it is very difiBcult to say which
are the best.

Messrs Downie, Laird, & Laing's Nosegays were very large and grand plants,
comprising Emmeline, Duchess of Sutherland, Countess of Strathmore, Rose
Stella, King of Nosegays, and Mrs Laing ; while Messrs Standish & Co. had
enormous plants of Gloire de Nancy, Capitaine L'Hermite, and Madame Lemoine,
double varieties.

:869.]

BRAMCOTE TULIP EXHIBITION.

329

BRAMCOTE TULIP EXHIBITION.

On the 21st May the members of the above Society held their annual festival at
the pretty rural village of Stapleford, a few miles from Nottingham. The mem-
bers mustered in strong force, as usual, but the blooms were not in such full
numbers as we have been accustomed to see them staged, and consequently the
stands were not so closely contested as in previous years. This was owing en-
tirely to the ungeuial month of May, throughout the whole of which the plants
and buds had to struggle on against cold north-east winds and rains, varied very
frequently with violent and pelting storms of hail of no small dimensions, when
woe to those devoted beds without protection ! We heard of instances where
plants, buds, and blooms in various stages were left a total wreck. And even
with the teuderest care and most unremitting attention, the progress of the
buds was so slow that numbers very promising in appearance, notwithstanding
all that tenderness could devise, were not to be coaxed into fully-developed
blooms for the day of trial, and had in consequence to be left at home, with the
prospect and hope, weather permitting, of being in time for the " National," to
be held a few days later in the month ; others, mere buds, were cut from sheer
necessity, the growers having nothing better to take their places.

On the whole, the show proved a good one, and very interesting; but the judges
had no alternative but to place stands, not so correctly supplied with feathers
and flames, in correct proportions, as the schedule set forth. However, the ex-
hibitors did their best, but certainly feathered blooms were but few in number,
and those not of first-class qualities ; and tlcat was a very favoured stand, indeed,
that could boast the required number. On the contrary, flames abounded, and
some remarkable specimens were to be seen in the stands, amongst which those
chosen for premiers might receive honour-able mention.

"VVe found beds generally had lost this year their proportion of feathers, these
having run into flames, and again flames into selfs in a number of instances. This,
doubtless, was owing to the excessive wet wdnter we had passed through. Hogg
in his Supplement, published about 1836, makes an observation that winters with
heavy snowfalls were sure to bring a superabundance of colouring matter into
the Tulip the following season. Now it is questionable whether a fine Tulip, after
exhibiting so great a profusion of colour, can ever be brought again to its original
fine qualities, so as to bear its exact proportions as in previous years, leaving
growers at a loss for varieties for years to come to make up their stands with.

Mr Haynes of Derby undertook the duties of judge, assisted by three or four
of the leading growers, and their decisions wei'e received with satisfaction by the
exhibitors generally. The seedlings of Mr Storer formed quite a feature of the
exhibition. They are deservedly held on the highest esteem for exhibitional pur-
poses, as well as for their attractions on the bed. Several were in the room,
as will be seen by running the eye along the stands ; the character of the mark-
ings being sharp and clear, and their general constancy, which prevails in the
whole, will make them favourites for many years to come.

The following were the awards : —

STANDS OF TWELVE BLOOMS.

First — Mr Hextall, Ashby de la
Zouch. — Headley's Adonis, fine ; Walk-
er's Duchess of Sutherland, fine flame ;
Headley's John Linton, a fine heavy
flame, and rich in colours ; Slater's
Masterpiece and Charles X., two fair

feathers; Storer's J. D. Hextall, a
richly-coloured flamed Bizarre, full too
heavy as shown ; Henry Groom, mode-
rate, but of very dull colours ; Lea's
Industry and Heroine were fine feath-
ers ; Triomphe Royale and Headley's

THE GARDENER.

[July

Arethusa wore flames, the last quite
new in this localit}', and likely to prove
a favourite.

Second — Mr David Barber of Stan-
ton-by -Dale. — Violet Amiable, a fair
feather ; Barber's Clara, a new variety,
and good.; an indifferent Lorenzo and
a fine Duchess of Sutherland ; Mrs
Lomax, a good feathered liose ; Hero-
ine, far better ; Triomphe Eoyale, a
superb flame ; Mary Barber, a seedling,
moderate ; a very fine Storer's Gene-
ral Lee ; a bad Dr Horner, placed as a
feather ; a very poor Perfection ; and
Storer's Mr Mills, flamed.

Third — j\Ir Storer of Derby. — A
grandly -flamed Aglaia, and Triomphe
Eoyale, even finer ; Heroine, a mere
bud ; Lea's Industry, very light feather ;
Victoria Eegiua, moderate ; Gibbons's
Venus, a fine flame ; Mrs Pickerill,
good; Gibbons's Sarah Anne, a grand
flame ; Sphinx, only moderate ; Wil-
liam Lea, fine flame ; George Haywood,
fine flame, and the same feathered.

Fourth — Mr John Atkins of Staple-
ford. — Violet Sovereign, a fine variety;
Mrs Thackeray, feathered, and good;
Kepaulese Prince, very fine ; Headley's
Adonis, fine feather ; Heroine and Grace
■were fine feathers ; Polyphemus, very
fine flame ; Paul Pry, a bad feather ;
Ira and Thomas Abbott, both very poor
representatives of the red class.

Fifth— ^Ix Battersby of Mansfield.—
Aglaia, a good flame ; Beatrice, also

flamed ; Martin's Jeanette, a very fine
variety, and well marked, but too
young ; Heroine, a bud ; Candidate, a
fine flamed seedling Bybloemen ; Chan-
cellor, a superb flamed Byblcemen ;
Adonis, finely flamed, a seedling flamed
Bjbloemen ; Royal Sovereign, good
feather ; Polyphemus ; Pioneer, fine,
a new flamed Bizarre ; and Storer's
General Lee, very good flame.

Sixth — Mr Gibbons of Bramcote. —
Disley's Exile, fine ; Abbott's Gem ;
Battersby's Chancellor, good ; Violet
Alexander, heavy flame ; Miss Grace, a
pretty feathered Eose; Napoleon, a
pretty feathered Eose ; Aglaia, flamed ;
Dixon's Bion, well marked; a fairly-
marked Polyphemus ; a good Eoyal
Sovereign ; but Sir Joseph Paxton and
Paul Pry indiS'erent.

Seventh — Mr Thomas Greasley, Sandi-
acre. — Lord Denman ; Queen of the
North, flamed ; Adonis, a good feather ;
Lorenzo, too young ; Aglaia, flamed,
fine; seedling flamed Eose and Hero-
ine, good ; Merit, fine ; Admiral Dun-
das, a bud ; Pilot and Delaforce's King.

Eighth — Mr John Clifford, Bramcote.
— Lady Lilford, feathered Eose; Grande
Rose Desire, a good flame; Lady Cath-
erine Gordon, a fine flame ; seedling
feathered Rose ; Lord Denman and Due
d'Orleans, flamed ; Cabinet Minister,
only moderate ; Sir Charles Napier ;
Admiral Dundas, a good flamed Bizarre
in the red class.

STANDS OF SIX BLOOMS.

First — Mr Shardlow of Derby. — Mrs
Pickerill, a fair feather; "Walker's
Duchess of Sutherland, fine ; Heroine,
a mere bud ; Eose Celestial, very fine
flame ; Lord Byron, a good feather ;
and a superb Sir Joseph Paxton.

Second — Mr Burdekin of Nottingham.
— Fairy Queen, a good feathered Eose ;
Duchess of Sutherland, fine ; Heroine,
fine ; Aglaia ; Eoyal Sovereign and
Garibaldi, fine.

Third — Mr James Plumbe of Risley.
— Triomphe Royale and Heroine, both
fine; Adonis, feather; a very grand

Lord Denman, an indifferent Eoyal
Sovereign, and a very good Merit.

Fourth — Mr Henry Hurt of Stanton-
by-Dale. — Aglaia, flamed, and the same
feathered ; Lord Denman and Due d'Oi'-
leans ; a very poor Eoyal Sovereign,
and a fine flamed seedling of Storer's
miscalled Captain AVhite.

Fifth — llr Wardle of Burton-on-
Trent. — Lady Catherine Gordon, heavily
flamed ; Triomphe Eoyale, well marked ;
a large heavy Norwich Bagnet ; a poor
flamed Adonis ; Lord Byron, only a
bud ; and a heavy Dr Horner.

1869.]

BRAMCOTE TULIP EXHIBITION.

331

Sixth — Mr John Spencer, Lenton,
near Nottingham. — A seedling feather-
ed Kose, and Nymph, a seedling flame,
very nicely marked ; Kossuth and
Loi'enzo; Turner's Premier and Sir
Joseph Paxton.

Seventh — Mr Henry Waters, Staple-
ford. — Koyal Sovereign, a good feather;
Topsy, a bad flame ; Victoria Regina,
a very good feather ; and a finely-marked
Lord Denman ; Pose Elizabeth and
Aglaia.

Eighth— '^Iv William Oldham, Chil-
well, near Nottingham. — Heroine ;
Aglaia ; Abbott's Gem ; Duchess of
Sutherland ; a bad Koyal Sovereign,
and a moderately-marked Polyphemus.

Ninth — Mr Thomas Smedley, Staple-
ford. — Aglaia and Heroine ; Abbott's
Gem, a very poor feather ; and a fine-
marked Lord Denman ; Platoff", good ;
and Captain White, pure.

The premiers were chosen from the whole collection, Mr Barber's stand
contributing no less than three of them — namely Heroine, feathered Pose ;
AValker's Duchess of Sutherland, flamed Byblcemen ; and Storer's General Lee, a
beautiful flamed Bizarre. Nymph, in Mr Atkin's stand, deservedly took the
honour d& flamed Rose. Lord Byron was the feathered Bizarre in Mr Shardlow's
stand, and Victoria Pegina the feathered Byblcemen, shown by Mr Waters.

Some very fine blooms were placed in the classes, but the feathered Roses
fell very far short of the requisite number from lack of supply, nine being the
full length.

Tenth — Mr Coulby, Nottingham. —
Heroine ; Triomphe Royale ; a fine
Duchess of Sutherland ; Mrs Pickerill ;
a bad Royal Sovereign ; and Shake-
speare, not equal to Polyphemus.

Eleventh — Mr Joseph AYinfield, Staple-
ford. — Royal Sovereign, a fine feather ;
a fair Captain White ; Lord Denman,
good; and a flamed Byblcemen, un-
known ; Fairy Queen and Aglaia.

Twelfth — Mr Samuel Smedley, Stan-
ton-by-Dale.^ — Queen Charlotte; Chan-
cellor; Lady Lilford, heavy flame ; Kate
Atkins, a poor feathered Rose ; a fine
Sir Joseph Paxton, and a very poor
Duke of Devonshix'e.

Thirteenth — Mr Lowe, Lenton. — Ne-
paulese Prince, a good flower; Lorenzo,
indifferent ; Grande Rose Desire ; and
Aglaia; Paul Pry, a moderate flame;
and a bad feathered Bizarre.

Feathered Roses. — 1. Heroine, Mr
Storer ; 2. Heroine, Mr Barber ; 3.
Heroine, William Coulby ; 4. Sarah
Headley, D. Barber.

Flamed Eoses. — 1. Aglaia, Mr Hex-
tall ; 2. Triomphe Royale, Mr Storer ;
3. Rose Celestial, Mr Storer ; 4. Rose
Emily, Mr Barber; 5. Triomphe Royale,
jMr Wardle ; 6. Lady Wildair, S. Smed-
ley ; 7. Vicar of Radford, Mr Atkins ;

8. Lady Catherine Gordon, Mr Storer;

9. Mrs Lomax, ]\Ir Barber.
Feathered Byhlcemens. — 1. Mrs

Pickerill, C. Shardlow; 2. Headley's
Adonis, Mr Barber ; 3. Maid of Orleans,
Mr Barber ; 4. Violet Amiable, Mr
Hextall; 5. Queen of the North, Mr
Barber; 6. Exile, Mr Barber; T.Abbott's
Gem, Mr Burdiekin ; 8. Chancellor, Mr
Plumbe ; 9. Chancellor, Mr Spencer.

Flamed ByUmmens. — 1. Duchess of
Sutherland, Mr Storer; 2. Lord Den-
man, Mr Hurt ; 3. Adonis, Mr Hextall ;
4. Maid of Orleans, Mr Storer; 5.
Queen Charlotte, Mr Barber ; 6. Chan-
cellor, Mr Gibbons; 7. Due d'Orleans,
Mr Spencer ; 8. Verona, Mr Battersby ;
9. General Barnaveldt, Mr Hurt.

Feathered Bizarres. — 1. Royal Sove-
reign, T. Smedley ; 2. Wilson's Unique,
Mr Hextall ; 3. Royal Sovereign, Mr
Battersby ; 4. Dormon's Prince Al-
bert, Mr Battersby ; 5. Royal Sovereign,
James Plumbe ; 6. Duke of Devonshire,
Mr Barber ; 7. John Brown, Mr Barber ;
8. Polyphemus, Mr Gibbons ; 9. Storer's
Seedling, Mr Oldham.

Flamed Bizarres. — 1. Sir Joseph
Paxton, Mr Barber; 2. Storer's J. D.
Hextall, Mr Hextall; 3. Sir Joseph

332

THE GARDENER.

[July

PaxtoD, Mr Storer ; 4. Joseph Godfrey,
]\Ir Barber ; 5. Dr Hardy, Mr Barber ;
6. Bertvistle's Sulphur, Mr Barber ; 7.

Polyphemus, Mr Atkins ; 8. J. D. Hex-
tall, Mr Storer; 9. Thomas Abbott,
Mr S. Smedly.

BREEDERS.

lioses. —1. Juliet, Mr Shardlow ; 2.
Industry, Mr Storer ; 3, Industry, Mr
Storer ; 4. Industry, C. Shardlow ;
5. Emily Birch, Mr Battersby ; 6.
Queen ]\Iab, Mr Battersby.

Byhhemcns. — 1. Adonis, ISIr Storer;
2. Excelsior, Mr C. Shardlow ; 3.
Excelsior, Mr Burdiekin; 4. Beatrice,

!Mr Shardlow ; 5. Seedling, Mr Batters-
by ; 6. Seedling, W. Coulby.

Bizarrcs. — 1. Willison's King, ^Ir
Hurt ; 2. Storer's Seedling, Mr Burdie-
kin ; 3. Ilaynes's Lord Belper, Mr
Storer ; 4. Sir Joseph Paxton, Mr Shard-
low; 5. Seedling, Mr Storer; 6. Un-
known, Mr Winfield.

--dT^^^^^b<r-t-B—

THE ROYAL CALEB OlSTIAlSr HORTICULTURAL

SOCIETY.

The summer exhibition of this Society took place in the Music Hall, George
Street, Edinburgh, on the 9th of last month. As a display of plants, it was a fair
average one as compared with other years. The same may be said of fruit, with
the addition that we thought the Grapes finer than usual. Mr Temple, gardener,
Balbirnie, had some very well finished Black Hamburgs which we thovight should
have been placed first in their class ; but we were told by one of the judges that
they applied the very legitimate test of tasting them, and that decided the day in
favour of Mr Laing, gardener, Pitcairlie, whose bunches were neither so compact
nor well coloui'ed, though larger. In the white class Mr Maconnochie, gardener,
Cameron House, Dumbartonshire, showed splendid bunches of Buckland's Sweet-
water, which were, however, placed second to Mr Thomson's Golden Champion.
In the collection of six sorts of fruit Mr Thomson showed Pines, a Melon^ Peaches,
Nectarines, Black Hamburg and Golden Champion Grapes. Mr Anderson, gar-
dener to James Lindsay, Esq., Dryden Bank, showed some very large and fine
Peaches, which were placed second to others higher coloured but not quite so
large. Mr M'Kay, gardener to Charles Tennant, Esq. of The Glen, showed a very
handsome smooth Cayenne for so early a season of the year. Good Cherries came
from Mr M'j\Iillan, gardener to Lord Blantyre, Erskine House, near Glasgow;
some very fine Strawberries from Mr Gordon, gardener, Niddrie House ; Apples
from Mr Lees, Tyningham ; and Lady Downes, of last year's growth, from Mr
Temple.

Noticeable amongst plants were some very fine " foliaged plants " from The
Glen ; fine Heaths fi'om the same place, and from Dalkeith Park ; Ferns from P.
Neil Eraser, Esq., Canonmills Lodge, many of them being remarkably curious
sports of Scolopendrium vulgare ; Pelargoniums from Mr Jones, gardener to
Captain Bolton.

The Edinburgh nurserymen had all tables of neat well-grown saleable plants.
P. Lawson & Son had a large and fine collection of cut Pihododendron blooms,
besides other plants. Dickson & Co. a very tasteful stand of Bronze and Tricolor
Geraniums, besides which they filled a long table with other showy plants. Mr
Methven filled a large table with a very varied collection of fine plants, as did Mr
Mitchell of Hanover Street, who also exhibited some very handsome specimens of
the Tree Fern Dicksonia Antarctica. Downie, Laird, & Laing had a very choice

1869.] CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

collection, including the remarkably fine new varieties of Coleus and Bronze
Zonal Geraniums for which this firm has lately become famous. Drummond
Brothers of George Street had also a neat collection of ornamental plants. Mr
Campbell, gardener, Traprain, East Lothian, exhibited two of his purple and one
of his white East Lothian Stocks. These plants had bloomed in the open border
during last year, were taken up and potted in the autumn, and were, when exhi-
bited, 1 yard across, and one dense mass of bloom, attracting the attention and
admiration of all who saw them ; for decorative purposes nothing at this season
could surpass them. Mr Pirrie, gardener, Dysart, exhibited a good dark seedling
Rhododendron, for which he got a certificate ; Mr Gorrie of Trinity exhibited a
new and rather pretty herbaceous plant from New Zealand called Libertia grandi-
flora, and cut specimens of Clianthus puniceus, var. magnificus, in full bloom,
from a plant that had stood all winter unprotected in the open air.

The judges on the occasion were Messrs Pirrie, Dysart; Allan, Ratho ; Niven,
Hopetoun; Baxter, Riccarton ; Lockhart, Leith Walk Nurseries; and M'Leod,
Newbattle, who made the following awards : —

CLASS I. — NURSERYMEN.

Six Stove or Greenhouse Plants — 1. i Six Rhododendrons, sorts — Messrs
Messrs Thomas Methven & Co., Leith ; Dickson & Co.

Walk ; 2. Messrs Dickson & Co., Water^
loo Place.

Six Calceolarias, sorts — Messrs Dow
nie, Laird, & Laing, Frederick Street.

CLASS II. — GARDENERS AND AMATEURS.

Four Ferns — 1. William Thomson

Two Stage and Two Fancy Pelargon-
iums—Messrs Downie, Laird, & Laing.

Twenty-four Roses, not less than 12
sorts — Messrs Downie, Laird, & Laing.

Eight Stove and Greenhouse Plants
in flower, not more than two of a
variety — 1. Wm. Thomson, Dalkeith
Park; 2. John Currie, Salisbury Green.
Four Pelargoniums, sorts (either
Stage or French varieties) — J. Currie,
and John Jones, Bangholm Bower —
equal.

Six Stove Plants in bloom, sorts —

1. William Thomson ; 2. John M'Eay,
The Glen.

Three Rhododendrons, do. — John
M'Kay.

Six Foliage Plants — 1. John M'Kay ;

2. William Thomson.

Four Cape Heaths — 1. Wm. Thom-
son ; 2. John M'Kay.

2. A. Gilmour.

Three Tricolor Geraniums — John
Jones.

Three Bronze Geraniums — J. Jones.

Two Indian Azaleas — 1. John M'Kay ;
2. James Gordon, Niddrie.

Three Indian Azaleas — 1. J. M'Kay;
2. James Gordon.

Two Calceolarias — John Jones.

Twelve Cut Roses — 1. George Barrie,
Corstorphine Hill; 2. John Eraser, Bel-
mont.

Three Hand Bouquets — Robt. Robert-
son, Seacot House, Leith.

Two Herbaceous Plants — J. Gordon.

Six Alpine Plants— J. N. Fraser.

FRUIT.

Best Collections of Fruit (six sorts) —
William Thomson.

Pine-Apple_l. John M'Kay; 2. Wm.
Thomson.

Two Bunches Grapes, black — 1. John
Laing, Pitcairlie ; 2. M. Temple, Bal-
birnie.

Two Bunches Grapes, white — 1, Wm.
Thomson; 2. J. Maconnochie, Cameron
House.

Two Bunches Grapes (flavour), black

— 1. James Gordon; 2. J. Maconno-
chie.

Six Peaches — L William Thomson;
2. H. Anderson, Dryden Bank.

Six Nectarines — 1. Wm. Thomson ;
2. James Gordon.

Twenty-four Cherries — Jas. M 'Mil-
Ian, Erskine House.

One Basket Strawberries — 1. James
Gordon ; 2. John M'Kay.

Dish of Figs (six) — John Laing.

VEGETABLES.

Two Cucumbers-
M. Temple.

John Laing

2.

Pint Potatoes — 1. James Gordon; 2.
George Barrie.

334

THE GARDENER.

[July

Twenty-five Heads Asparagus— 1. J. Collection of Vegetables— 1. M. Tem-
Maconuochie ; 2. John Masen. pie; 2. John Fraser.

Thirty Pods French Beans — M. Temple.
The day was very fine, and the hall was crowded by visitors during the after-
noon and evening. The band of the 42d Regiment (Black Watch) occupied the
orchestra, and played selections of music at intervals in the course of the day.

S^TO>I^^<5^t-lS- •

SCOTTISH PANSY SOCIETY.

The twenty-fifth annual competition of the Scottish Pansy Society was held,
in connection with the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society's Show, in Edin-
burgh on AVednesday the 9th June, and, judging from the crowds of visitors who
congregated round the table, formed a very acceptable feature of the exhibition.
The season has been peculiarly unfavourable for Pansy-growing, but, not-
withstanding, there was a large amount of competition, and some of the speci-
mens shown were very rich, and beautifully tinted. Seedlings were pretty
numerously shown, and severals selected received first-class awards, being great
improvements on existing varieties in their respective classes. In Fancies especially
the improvement was very decided both in form and marking, many of them
approaching in smoothness to some of the fine old show varieties.

We may mention that this Society is in a very flourishing condition, numbering
now above 130 members.

The following are the awards, with names of the flowers which gained the first
prize in their respective classes : —

NURSERYMEN.

Twenty-four Blooms, dissimilar — 1.
Messrs Downie, Laird, & Laing, with J.
L. Fleming, Adam Scott, Locomotive,
Isa Clark, Yellow Queen, Roderick
Nicholson, Lavinia, Prince of Prussia,
Rev. H. Dombrain, De Foe, Village
Maid, Miss Williamson, George Wilson,
George Keith, John Currie, Princess of
Wales, Joseph James, The Prince, Mas-
terpiece, tRev. J. Smith, Miss Muir,
Comus, Invincible, Robert Burns ; 2.
Messrs Dickson & Co.

GARDENERS AND AMATEURS.

Eighteen Blooms, dissimilar — 1. Mr
John Beveridge, Bonnington, with
Lavinia, Adam Scott, Miss Muir,
Andrew Smith, Alice Downie, George
Keith, Robert Burns, Princess of Wales,
De Foe, Norma, Dux, George Wilson,
Village Maid, Yellow Queen, J. B.
Downie, J. Graham, General Lee, Per-
fection ; 2. Mr Duncan KeiT, Glencorse ;
3. Mr John Fraser, Belmont ; 4. Mr
Lewis Sinclair, Inglis Green.

Twelve Blooms, dissimilar— 1. JMr R.

Cuthbertson, Corstorphine, with Village
Maid, J. B. Downie, Dux, Robert Burns,
Princess of Wales, Prince of Prussia,
Alexander JM'Nab, Lavinia, Chancellor,
George Keith, Mary Lamb, George Wil-
son ; 2. Mr Duncan Kerr; 3, Mr Wil-
liam Old, Roslin ; 4. Mr James Fergie,
Dunse.

Six Blooms — 1. Mr J. Beveridge, with
Comus, J. B. Downie, Princess of
Wales, Robert Burns, George Keith,
Lady L. Dundas ; 2. Mr Matthew Todd,
Newmilns; 3. Mr D. Kerr; 4. Mr J.
Fraser.

AMATEURS.

Twelve Blooms— L Mr Robert Cuth-
bertson ; 2. Mr W. Old ; 3. P. W.
Sime, Esq. , Blacket PI. ; 4. Mr Richard
Ritchie, Penicuik.

Six Blooms — 1. George Lorimer, Esq.,
8 Mayfield Terrace ; 2. L. T. Fleming,
Esq., Berwick ; 3. Mr Richard Ritchie ;
4. Mr James Fergie.

Four Blooms — 1. H. W. Adair, Esq.,
4 Hampton Terrace ; 2. Mr R. Ritchie ;
3. L. T. Fleming, Esq.

SPECIAL PRIZES.

GARDENERS AND AMATEURS.

Twenty-four Blooms— Mr M. Todd.
Eighteen Blooms — H. W. Adair, Esq.
Twelve Blooms — Francis Light-
bodv, Esq., 2 Hampton Terrace.

six White Grounds— Mr William Old.

Six Dark Selfs — Mr Duncan Seaton,
Blacket Place Lodge.

OPEN TO ALL.

Best Six Seedlings — ]\Iessrs Downie,
Laird, & Laing.

1869.]

SCOTTISH PANSY SOCIETY. 335

FANCY PANSIES.

NURSERYMEN. I Tweedie, Tambourine; 2. Messrs Dick-

Twenty - four Blooms — 1. Messrs son & Co.
Dowuie, Laird, &Laing, with Mrs Laird, gardeners and amateurs. .

Peter ' Campbell, Sunrise, Mrs Adair, , Twelve Blooms— 1. Mr John Beve-
Annie, William Hay, Daisy, Mrs Ham- ridge ; 2. George Wilson, Esq., Duuse ;
mond, Mrs R. Dean, Minnie Laird, Miss ' 3. Mr William Laird, Kinellau.
Seaton, Olibo, Miss Jane Wilson, Curios- | amateurs.

ity, Keekum, Prince Leon, Miss J. Kay, ' Six Blooms — 1. H. W. Adair, Esq.; 2.
Orange-boven, Mrs Lightbody, ]\Irs T. I F. Lightbody, Esq. ; 3. George Wilson,
Scott, Alice Laird, Mrs Laiug, Madeline i Esq.

'special prizes,
gardeners and amateurs. i amateurs.

Twelve Blooms — H. W. Adair, Esq. I Six Blooms — F. Lightbody, Esq.

ladies' prize.
Most tastefully-arranged Bouquet of Pansies — Mrs Adair, 4 Hampton Terrace.

BEST SINGLE BLOOMS IN THE EXHIBITION.

Dark Self — Mr L. Sinclair, with ' Yellow Ground — Messrs Downie,
Alexander M'Nab. Laird, & Laing, with Robert Burns.

White Self — Geo. Wilson, Esq., with Best Pansy in Exhibition — Mr L.
Miss Ramsay. Sinclair, w'ith Alexander j\L'Nab.

Yellow Self — Mr L. Sinclair, with First-class certificates were awarded

Yellow Queen.

Primrose Self — Mr Duncan Kerr, with
Emblem.

Light Ground — Mr John Eraser, with

to Messrs Downie, Laird, & Laing tor
seedling Yellow Grounds John Carrie
and Roderick Nicholson.

First-class certificate to Dickson &

Cupid. I Co. for Seedling Self Leith Walk Beauty.

GLASGOW AND WEST OF SCOTLAND HORTICUL-
TURAL SOCIETY.

The summer Qovalfite of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Horticultural Society
took place on Tuesday the 2d May, in the City Hall, Glasgow, and was an ex-
tremely successful exhibition.

The prizes offered were for house plants, cut flowers, bouquets. Grapes, and
vegetables. The chief contributions to the show were the collections of plants
from Mr Peter Denny of Helenslee. Dumbarton (Mr John Sutherland, gardener),
and from Mr Thomas Coates of Ferguslie (Mr William Dickson, gardener). A
fine specimen of the Fan Palm ornamented the centre of the Ferguslie collection,
and at each end of the table was a specimen of the Thief Palm. The plants were
all exceedingly well grown and beautifully arranged. The Helenslee collectiou
included the finest foliage plant in the exhibition — a magnificent Croton ; and
another commanding object was a splendid specimen of the Cyathea dealbata,
admired for the beautiful white shading of its foliage. Messrs J. & R. Thyne,
Woodside Nurseries, contributed an elegant assortment of plants. Messrs Smith
& Simons were also forward in excellent style ; and on the platform a large and
varied assortment of plants was exhibited from the Botanic Gardens, Among
the general collections, foliage Geraniums were specially attractive, particularly
the Castlemilk assortment, which again carried off the prize. The Ferns and
Heaths were well grown, even the rarest varieties. Tulips were not very remark-
able, the season having been much against them, but the first prize lot for twelve
blooms, shown by Mr David Draper, Falkirk, were well deserving the honour
awarded them. Mr Rennie's second and third lots were also meritorious. Cut
Rhododendrons were a small show, and several of them were past the bloom.

336 THE GARDENER. [July 1869.

Azaleas and Fuchsias were pretty well represented. Pansies, though they have
not had a good season, were an excellent competition, and Mauchline and New-
milns again divided the chief honours. There was a large and attractive collec-
tion of both table and hand bouquets, and, as usual, a committee of ladies was
appointed to judge the merits of these. In the small hall, jMr Methven, gardener
to Colonel Campbell of Blythswood, contributed a richly assorted table of plants,
crowned with a beautiful specimen of the Cycas revoluta. Mr Robertson of the
Albert Gardens was also a large and meritorious contributor. The competition
with four varieties of Orchids was gained by Mr Hogg with Cattleya mossisG,
Vanda teres, and other fine specimens. The vegetables, though not a large
show, were good, there being some remarkably fine Rhubarb, and some well-
grown Pease and new Potatoes.

[We were disappointed in procuring a list of the prizes awarded on the above
occasion, and give the above notice from a contemporary. — Ed.]

[We have still to apologise to several of our correspondents for the inevitable
postponement of articles which have been in type for months. ]

W. N., Dis. — Thanks for your letter. What you say of the preparation is no
doubt perfectly correct ; but were we to insert it, it would be looked upon as an
advertisement, and we cannot afford to advertise gratis. If the specific you write
so highly of had been at any time advertised in our columns, we should have felt
no difficulty in publishing your letter ; but as the case stands, we should be doing
those who advertise with us great injustice were we to insert such letters as
yours, well meant as it no doubt is.

A. P>. , Oxon, — We received the morsel of the root of one of your Vines you sent
lis last month, but from it we cannot say what is the matter with your Vines — a
patient might as well expect a physician to tell him what his disease was by send-
ing him a hair out of his head. The bit of root seemed dead, but we could not de-
tect fungi. We think it likely, seeing your borders are nearly all inside, that you
allowed the roots to get too dry during the hot autumn of last year. You should
take off as much of the surface-soil of the borders as possible, and add some fresh
loam, dung, and bones ; and keep the border well watered, seeing your drainage is
so good. This, and attention to the foliage, may restore the Vines to their previ-
ous good health.

A Constant Subscriber. — The insect No. 1 we frequently find on our Peach-
trees, where it eats the leaves ; No. 2 amongst our Vines, where it eats holes in
the foliage. We call them both beetles, but cannot give you their scientific
names; but, what is to you of more importance, we can tell you how to get rid of;
them. Place several saucers with treacle in them close to their haunts, and they
will soon be found in dozens sticking in it.

We cannot say what is the matter with your Pear-trees.

J. W. — The house you describe will grow Pines well enough if you have the
requisite skill. Any of our leading nurserymen will supply you with plants. The
Queen Pine will suit you best. Buy plants now that are ready for a shift into
their fruiting-pots ; but unless you have a knowledge of Pine-culture do not
expect much success for some years.

A Subscriber, Fife. — All we can say about your Fuchsias, judging from the
points of the shoots you have sent us, is, that they are not healthy. This may
proceed from their getting too much water or too little. The soil in the pots may
be eflete, or they may be standing too close together, or under the shade of Vines
or other plants, and may in addition have too little ventilation. You can judge
if they are subject to any of these unfavourable conditions.

H. B. — The plant you forward to us is the Tragopogon porrifolius.

THE

GARDENER.

AUGUST 1869.

THE ROSE.

{Continued from page 298.)
CHAPTER XIII. — ROSES FOR EXHIBITION.

S lie wlio can ride exchanges his pony for a cob, and his cob
for a hunter, and, having achieved pads and brushes, where
hounds are slow, fences are easy, and rivals few, longs
for a gallop at racing speed over the pastures and the

" Oxers " of High Leicestershire, for a run with Tailby or the Quorn
— as every man with a hobby (I never met a man without one)
is desirous to ride abroad, and witch the world with noble horse-
manship,— so the Rosarian, enlarging his possessions and improving
his skill, has yearnings, which no mother, nor sisters, nor people
coming to call, can satisfy, for sympathy, for knowledge, for re-
nown. He is tired of charging at the quintain, which he never fails
to hit, in the silent courtyard of his home : he will break a lance for
his ladye in the crowded lists. And who loves maiden so fair as his ?
What mean these braggart knights, his neighbours, by praising their
Rosas, so pale, so puny, in comparison 1 Their voices to his ear are
harsh, irritating ; they are as disagreeable as the crowings of contigu-
ous cocks to the ears df the game bantam ; and he feels it to be his
solemn duty to roll those knights in the dust.

I offer my services as his esquire, and my advice as a veteran how
to invert and pulverise his foes. By foes I mean those miserable
knights who presume to grow and to show Roses without a careful
study of these chapters. Not thinking exactly as we do, they are of
course heretical and contumacious. They must be unhorsed. Then,

z

338 THE GARDENER. [Aug.

perhaps, lying peacefully on their backs in the sawdust, they may see
the error of their ways, and come to a better mind. They may rise
up, sorer and wiser men, and, meekly seeking the nearest reformatory,
may gradually amend and improve, until at last they become regular
subscribers to the ' Gardener,' and respectable subjects of the Queen
of Flowers. Be it mine, meanwhile, to teach the virtuous amateur
how to buy a charger, and how to ride him, what Roses to show, and
how to show them, first reminding him that he must have a good
stable, good corn, and good equipments in readiness for his steed — must
be armed before he competes with those weapons which I have named
before as essential to success, and which I must once more ask leave
to commend. He must have an enthusiastic love of the Rose, not the
tepid attachment which drawls its faint encomium, " She's a nicish
girl, and a fellow might do worse," but the true devotion, which sighs
from its very soul, "I must, I will win thee, my queen, my queen !"
He must have a good position, a home meet for his bride. He must
have for his Roses a free circulation of air, a healthful, breezy situa-
tion, with a surrounding fence, not too high, not too near, which shall
break the force of boisterous winds, temper their bitterness ere they
enter the fold, and give shelter but not shade to his Roses. He must
have a good garden-soil, well drained, well dug, well dunged. And
having these indispensable adjuncts, he may order his Show-Roses.

" Thanks, dear professor," here exclaims the enraptured pupil
(I am mocking now with a savage satisfaction those dreadful scientific
dialogues which vexed our little hearts in childhood) ; '' your instruc-
tions are indeed precious — far more so than the richest jam, than
ponies, than cricket, or than hide-and-seek ; but may we interrupt
you for a moment to ask, What is your definition of a Show-Rose 1 "

"Most gladly, my dear young friends," replies the kind professor
(anxiously wishing his dear young friends in bed, that he might work
at his new book on beetles), " will I inform a curiosity so honourable,
so rare in youth. I propose, therefore — avoiding all prolixity, re-
petition, tautology, periphrasis, circumlocution, and superfluous ver-
bosity— to divide the subject into forty-seven sections," &c. &c. &c.

Leaving him at it, let us be content to know that a Show-Rose
should possess —

1. Beauty of form — petals, abundant and of good substance, regu-
larly and gracefully disposed within a circular symmetrical outline.

2. Beauty of colour — brilliancy, purity, harmony, endurance. And,

3. That the Rose, having both these qualities, must be exhibited in
the most perfect phase of its beauty, and in the fullest development
to which skill and care can bring it.

The names of the Roses which are more specially adapted for exhi-

:869.]

THE ROSE.

339

bition, from their exquisite proportions and lovely tints, from contour
and complexion too, are given in the following list. It has been
compiled with much observant care, and it is no exaggeration to say-
that the compiler has recently travelled more than 1000 miles to make
his catalogue complete. With this as my primary object, I have
attended the four great Rose-shows of the season — the National, the
Crystal Palace, the Hereford, the Birmingham — and, acting as a
judge at these exhibitions, I have had the best opportunities of
examining, comparing, and discussing the merits of the flowers
exhibited, and of selecting the most perfect. Every Rose on the list,
if grown and shown in its integrity, has symmetry, colour, and size.
Finally, I have submitted my selection to the champion exhibitor"^ of
the year, and having his suggestions and additions, I present it to
the amateur as a sure guide. He ought to have every Rose enumer-
ated ; he must have those printed in italics. The names with no letter
attached are of the Hybrid Perpetual class. B signifies Bourbon, N
Noisette, and T Tea-scented China.

Ahel Gand.
Achille Gonod.
Adam, T.

Adoli)he Brongniart.
Alfred Colomb.
Alice Dureau.
Alpaide de Rotalier.
Antoine Ducher.
Archimede, T.

Baronne Adolphe de Roths-
child.
Baron Gonella, B.
Beauty of Waltham.
Black Prince.
Camille Bernardin.
Caroline de Sansales.
Celine Forestier, N.
Centifolia Rosea.
Charles Lefehvre.
Charles Rouillard,
Christina Nielson.
Climbing Devoniensis, T.
Cloth-of-Gold, N.

ROSES FOR EXHIBITION.

Comte de Nanteuil.
Comtesse C. de Chahrillant.
Comtesse Jaucourt.
Devoniensis, T.
Dr Andry.

Due de Magenta, T.
Due de Rohan.
Duke of Edinburgh.
Duke of Wellington.
Duchesse d'Aoste.
Duchesse de Caylus.
Duchesse d* Orleans.
Elie Morel.
Exposition de Brie.
Fisher Holmes.
Frangois Lacharme.
Frangois Louvat.
Frangois Trevye.
General Jacqueminot.
Gloire de Dijon, T.
Gloire de Santenay.
Gloire de Vitry.
Horace Veniet.

My friend Mr George Paul of Cheshunt, to whom I owe and ofifer my thanks.

340

THE GARDENER.

[Aug.

Jean Cherpin.

Jean Goujon.

Jean Lambert.

John Hopper.

Julie Touvais.

Lafontaine.

La France.

La Reine.

Laurent Descourt.

La Ville de St Denis.

LeojMld I.

Leopold II.

Leopold Haushurg.

Lord Herbert.

Lord Macaulay.

Lord Raglan.

Louise Magnan.

Louise Peyronneij.

Madame Barriott.

Madame Boll.

Madame Boutin.

Madame Bravy, T.

Madame Caillat.

Madame Canrobert.

Madame C. Crapelet.

Madame C. Wood.

Madame Clemence Joigneaux.

Madame Fillion.

Madame Furtado.

Madame Julie Daran.

Madame la Baronne de Roths-
child.

Madame Marie Cirodde.

Madame Noman.

Madame Rivers.

Madame Tlierese Level.

Madame Victor Verdier.

Madame Vidot.

Madame Willermorz, T.

Mademoiselle Bonnaire.

Madeinoiselle Marguerite Dom-
hrain.

Mademoiselle MaHe Rady.

Marechal Mel, T.

Mai^echal Vaillant.

Marguei'ite de St Armand.

Marie Beauman.

Marquise de Montemart.

Maurice Bernardin.

Michel Bonnet.

Miss Ingram.

Modele de Perfection, B.

Monsieur Boncenne.

Monsieur Noman.

Narcisse, N.

Nardy Freres.

Niphetos, T.

Olivier Delhomme.

Pierre Notting.

Pitord.

President Willermorz.

Prince Camille de Rohan.

Prince Henri de Pays Bas.

Princess Mary of Cambridge.

Reine Blanche.

Reine du Midi.

Rubens, T.

Senateur Vaisse.

Sophie Coquerel.

Souvenir d'Elise, T.

Souvenir de Poiteau.

Souvenir de la Malmaison, B.

Souvenir de Mademoiselle Jenny

Pernet, T.
Souvenir d'un Ami, T.
Thorin.

Thyra Hammerich.
Triomphe de Rennes, N.
Yainqueur de Goliath.
Vicomte Vigier.
Vicomtesse de Vesin.
Victor le Bihan.
Victor Verdier.
Ville de Lyons.
Virginale.
Xavier Oliho.

1869.] THE ROSE. 341

In ordering these Rose-trees, which -will cost, many of them being
new, about £7, 10s.,* I advise the amateur to ask for low Standards.
The height which I prefer is about 2 feet from the ground to the
budded Rose, because these lesser trees escape the fury of the wind,
requiring no stakes to support them after their first year; because
they are more conveniently manipulated than either dwarfs or giants ;
and because their complete beauty presents itself pleasantly to our
eyes, without bringing us down on our knees, or requiring us to stand
a-tiptoe. They should be planted in November, just deep enough to
have a firm hold upon the soil; and the surface round them should be
covered with a stratum of manure, both to protect and enrich the roots.
Should they be sent from the nurseries with any shoots of great length,
or with tajDroots, shorten the former, or secure them to a stake, and re-
move the latter altogether. Affix your permanent tallies (I use smooth
slips of deal, smeared with white paint, written upon with a black-lead
pencil, and secured with thin wire to the trees), because the labels of
the nurseryman, even when on parchment, become illegible from rain
and snow.

"And next summer," exclaims the ardent disciple, "we shall have
Roses as large as finger-glasses ; we shall win the Cup ; we shall make
the Marquess's gardener, that bumptious Mr Peacock at the Castle, for
ever to fold his tail." It troubles me to repress this charming en-
thusiasm, to demolish a superstructure as gay, but, alas ! as baseless, as
those card-houses which the child builds, with the kings, queens, and
knaves of the pack, upon the polished mahogany of his sire. No, my
dear amateur, not next summer, nor in any summer, with those Roses
only which will grow upon the trees just commended to you, are you
to whip creation, and make the family plate-chest groan. If you
■propose to grow Roses for exhibition — that i,% to groio them to their full
perfection — ijou must groio them on your own stocks from buds. The
Rose-trees, which we will suppose you have just planted, are to supply
these buds, and you have still to provide, if you will follow my direc-
tions, some 500 stocks, to receive those buds in July. These stocks, like
the Rose-trees, should be planted in November ; but what are these
stocks to be 1

^sop told the gardener of his master, Xanthus, that " the earth was
a stepmother to those plants which were incorporated into her soil,
but a mother to those which are her own free production ; " and wher-
ever the Dog-Rose flourishes in our hedgerows — now delighting our
eyes with its flowers, and now scratching them out with its thorns,

* I allow £5 for 100 older varieties; the price usuafly charged by nurserymen
being, for dwarf Standards, Is. each, and £2, lOs. for 25 newer varieties, at
2s. each.

342 THE GARDENER. [Aug.

should we follow the partridge or the fox too wildly — there the Brier
is the stock for the Rose. I know that, despite the dictum of iEsop,
our soil has been no injusta noverca to that foreign Hose, which took
the name of Manetti from him who raised it from seed, and which was
sent to Mr Rivers, more than thirty years since, by Signor Crivelli,
from Como. I know that the Italian refugee is acclimatised, and that
in hundreds of our gardens he is a welcome and honoured guest. I
know that the Manetti will grow luxuriantly where the Brier will not
grow at all ; that in a toward season it will produce some varieties of
the Rose in perfection ; that in many cases it causes a larger quantity
of wood and bloom ; and that it seems to be more enduring than the
Brier, because the Brier being used as a standard, is more exposed to
hardships, and because the Rose being budded beneath the soil on
the Manetti, establishes itself in most cases upon roots of its own. I
know, in fine, that the importation of this stock has been a very gra-
cious boon to those who love the Rose ; but I am equally sure that
nine-tenths of the most perfect Roses lohich have been grown and shown
have been cut from the British Brier. I have proved this not only
from my own experience, having grown the two stocks side by side,
in a variety of seasons and soils, but also from inspection and inquiry.
Latterly I have made a point of asking at our exhibitions the paren-
tage of Roses which have been admired the most, and the answers
have been, ninety per cent of them, as I foreknew they would be, " The
Brier." In Dorsetshire, last summer, two of our best Rosarians (if they
read these lines, a brother's love to them) " discoursed as they sat on
the green," and when they had discoursed, it was written by one of
them (see the 'Journal of Horticulture' for August 13, 1868), "For
general use the Brier is doomed ; ... it is time to think seriously of
discarding it." But then he adds, and I pray you to mark the reserva-
tion, " Exhibitors will not do so, I believe, for the maiden blooms from
a Brier are suj^erior to those from the Manetti.'^ But no earnest lover
of the Rose will be satisfied with inferior blooms, having the hope of
better ; and it should have been stated, accordingly, not that the Brier
is doomed for general use, but only with regard to those unhappy
localities where it cannot be grown.

If your lot is cast therein, my amateur (but do not think so
without a trial), you may grow Roses for your own delectation in pots
on their own roots, and on the Manetti, but I do not urge you to com-
pete. If the Brier flourishes in your district, order 500.

Here, I know, the young aspirant will protest, because I have often
heard him, "Does this fellow desire to ruin me, or has he got an idea
that I am Lord Overstone 1 " And I reply with dignity, " No, my
friend j I invite you, on the contrary, to buy a glorious garden of Roses

1869.] THE ROSE. 343

for the sum whicli you would pay for five new Tricolor Pelargoniums
nearly as good as Mrs Pollock, for one specimen stove-plant, and for
half a specimen Orchid. Allow £7, 10s. for your Roses, and £2 for
your Briers, and ye shall 'siller ha'e to spare' from your £10 note."
When Briers are abundant, 6s. per 100 for dwarfs and 7s. 6d. for tall
standards is a usual tariff ; but you should remember that it is rough
work, and that if you cull the best you should be liberal.

Give your order — and any labourer will soon learn to bring you
what you want — towards the end of October. I have myself a peculiar
but unfailing intimation when it is time to get in my Briers — mij
Briey^-man comes to church. He comes to morning service on the
Sunday. If I make no sign during the week, he appears next Sunday
at the evening also. If I remain mute, he comes on week-days. I
know then that the case is urgent, and that we must come to terms.
Were I to fancy the Manetti instead of the Brier, my impression is
that he would go over to Rome.

Having made timely arrangements to secure your supply of stocks
before the severities of winter are likely to prevent you from planting
(should sharp frost surprise you during the process of removal, you
must "lay in^' your Briers securely, digging a hole for them, placing
them in a bundle therein, covering the roots well with earth, and
throwing an old mat over all), you must be most vigilant in your
selection of the stocks themselves. Some gardeners display in this
matter a lamentable indifference. Their motto seems to be Stemmata
cj[uid faciunt ? — why should not one Brier be as good as another?
Their budding-ground might be an asylum for the deformed, the weak,
the aged, instead of the school for healthful youth and the training-
ground for heroes. Let the amateur, avoiding this fatal error, and re-
membering as his rule, Ex quovis ligno noii jit Mercurius, select young,
straight, sapfal, well-rooted stocks, that the scion may be vigorous as
the sire. Let these be planted as soon as he receives them — his col-
lector bringing them in daily, and not keeping them at home, as the
manner of some is, until he gets a quantity — in rows, the Briers 1 foot,
the rows 3 feet apart.

The situation and the soil for your Briers must be just as carefully
studied as though the Roses were already upon them. These stocks
are not to be set in bare and barren places, exposed to ridicule and to
contempt, as though they were the stocks of the parish ; nor are they to
be thrust into corners, as I have seen them many a time. They should
occupy such a position as one sees in the snug " quarters " of a nur-
sery— spaces enclosed by evergreen fences, which, somewhat higher
than the trees within, protect them from stormy winds.

Watching their growth in spring, the amateur should remove the

344 THE GARDENER. [Aug.

more feeble lateral shoots, leaving two or three of the upper and
stronger. Suckers from below must also be removed. The latter
operation is most easily and eflfectually performed when rain has just
softened the soil around ; and weeds, which evince in times of drought
such a rooted antipathy to eviction, may then be readily extracted
without leaving fibre or fang.

The stocks may be budded in July, and I advise the amateur who
wishes to bud them, to learn the art, by no means difficult, not from
books, but from some neighbour Budhist, who will quickly teach him
as much of transmigration as he desires to know. If he learns to make
one slit only, so much the better, the transverse cut being quite un-
necessary, and liable to cause breakage if too deeply made.

Select strong buds from your Rose-trees. It requires some little re-
solution to cut away the cleanest, most healthful wood, but the recom-
pense is sure and ample. Do not expose your cuttings to the sun —
a watering-can, with a little damp moss in it, is a good conveyance —
and get them comfortably settled in their new homes as soon as it can
be done. In three weeks or a month you may remove the cotton ; in
November you may shorten the budded shoot to 5 or 6 inches from
the bud ; and in May you may cut it close to the bud itself. You must
now keep a constant supervision over your budded stock, removing all
superfluous growth, and having your stakes in position, so that you may
secure the growing bud against those sudden gusts which will force it,
if not safely fastened, "clean out" of the stock. These stakes must
be firmly fixed close by the Briers, and should rise some 2 feet above
them. To this upper portion the young shoot of the Rose, which
grows in genial seasons with marvellous rapidity, must be secured
with bast. Look out now for the Rose -caterpillar, that murderous
"worm i' the bud." I generally employ a little maid from my village
school, whose fingers are more nimble and whose eyes are nearer to
their work than mine, who prefers entomology in the fresh air to all
other ologies in a hot school, and who takes home to mother her diurnal
ninepence with a supreme and righteous pride.

Towards the end of May apply the surface-dressing which is recom-
mended in Chapter VI. — I presuppose a liberal supply of farmyard
manure in autumn, as advised in the same chapter — and at the same
time take off freely the lesser and numerous Rosebuds which surround
the central calyx. A painful process this slaughter of the innocents,
this drowning of the puppies of the poor Dog-Rose, but justified in
their eyes who desire to see the Rose in its brightest glory, and who
prefer one magnificent Ribston Pippin to a waggon-load of Crabs.

We must revert here briefly to the parental trees, from which the
buds were taken in July. Although they cannot, speaking generally.

1869.] TRAVELLING NOTES. 345

reproduce the beauty of their first-born, they will give you, in return
for attentive culture, very valuable help. They will be in bloom at the
time of the earlier shows, when the Roses in your budding-ground may
not be fully out ; and in some cases they will supply you with better
flowers then can be gathered from a "maiden plant." It is so with
regard to Teas and Noisettes, and with several other Roses — such as
Francois Lacharme, Gloire de Santenay, Louise Magnan, Madame Bou-
tin, Madame C. Joigneaux, Marechal Vaillant, Miss Ingram, Monsieur
Noman, Olivier Delhomme, &c. Moreover, you should have in your
Rose-garden the advantage of a wall on which to grow the more ten-
der Roses, those grand Marechal Niels, Devonienses, and Souvenirs
d'un Ami, so distinct from the Hybrid Perpetual varieties, and such
exquisite contrasts among them.

Let us now suppose that in both these departments your loving and
patient care has brought you the prospect and proximity of such a
splendid harvest that you have entered your name as an exhibitor at
one of our great Rose-shows. Ah, what a crisis of excitement, to be
remembered always, in the glad Rosarian's life ! It is as w^hen the boy,
who has distinguished himself in the playing-fields, goes forth from
the pavilion at Lord's in the Eton and Harrow match. It is as when
the undergraduate, who has been working manfully, enters his name
on the list of candidates for honours. What sweet solicitudes ! What
hopeful fears ! Look — Mr Grimston is whispering to that Harrow boy,
just going to the wicket with his bat, wise words anent the Eton
bowling. Listen ; that tutor, with the clever kindly countenance, is
speaking cheerfully to his pupil, white as the kerchief round his throat,
as he enters those ancient awful schools. So would I aid and abet my
amateur — so would I bring a stirrup-cup to my young brave Dunois.
Partant pour la Sijrie — that is, for the National Rose-show — he wants
information as to boxes and tubes and moss, as to the time of cutting,
the method of arrangement ; and he shall receive, in the succeeding
chapter, the best which I have to give.

S. Reynolds Hole.

TRAVELLIISTG NOTES GIST GARDENS IN THE
MIDLAND COUNTIES.

( Con tinned from page 142.)

At the conclusion of my last communication I had reached St John's
Nursery, Worcester, which ranks among the largest provincial estab-
lishments in the kingdom, extending to rather more than a hundred
acres. But what of size ? that is nothing — it is the variety and quality

346 THE GARDENER. [Aug.

of the stock that engage the attention of the visitor. Reaching the
entrance gate, situated on the Bransford road, I was brought for a few
minutes to a dead standstill, admiring a broad carriage-drive or avenue
a mile and three quarters long. Tliis noble approach is planted on.
either side several rows deep with a choice and varied collection of
Coniferae. This, I understand, is not intended to be a permanent
arrangement. All are saleable, and as vacancies occur the empty spaces
are filled, so as to produce a continuous feature. The nursery is again
divided into sections by walks of a less pretentious character, and it
may surprise a stranger when told that in the aggregate the entire
length amounts to 26 miles. Fifty acres are specially set apart for the
growth of fruit-trees, and 52,000 are annually trained for walls and
espahers; so great is the demand in this department, that 150,000 to
200,000 stocks are yearly required to meet the consumption. Where
the outlet is for so large a quantity of trees is a mystery to me, and I dare-
say to others as well. We might reasonably suppose that enough is
propagated to supply the wants of Great Britain and Ireland. A spe-
cimen of each kind is grown in the nursery, and even this caution does
not satisfy Mr Smith's particularity ; he appoints a person on whom
he can depend to collect the seeds and grafts, so it is hardly possible,
unless by carelessness, that they can get confused.

Coniferous plants are grown extensively, whether as to species or var-
ieties, including recent introductions. Tor instance, it is not common
to see at one place Abies nobilis grown by thousands, not a stunted
little struggling object among them, no side shoots being compelled
to accept the office of a leader. The secret why all are so vigorous
is this, that ]\Ir Smith has cone-bearing trees, so that his entire stock
consists of seedling plants. There is a Picea, called magnifica, and
by some persons robusta, but it does not appear to me to differ from
nobilis ; certainly a little more glaucous in colour, but that may arise
from some peculiarity of soil ; independent of any such concurrence,
I feel satisfied that there are several varieties. During my hasty visit
— something between a walk and a run — the following plants
appeared to me to deserve special attention ; not that they are new, but
because of their individual merits and their applicability for villa
decoration, as well as for other places of greater extent. We have first
Juniperus drupacea, possessing a graceful outline and a somewhat droop-
ing habit. Juniperus nana is an admirable plant for the rockwork,
as it scarcely or ever exceeds 12 inches in height. Juniperus
Chinensis variegata is very distinct from the common Chinese Juniper,
and as the variegation is constant, and the habit ornamental, its value
is much increased.

Here for the first time I met with Pinus Cembra variegata, a sport.

1869.] TRAVELLING NOTES. 347

I presume, still scarce and rather liigli priced. There does not appear
to be any difference in habit between it and Cembra : the straw-col-
oured foliage is the only marked distinction. From present appear-
ance I have no doubt that, when it reaches to a large size, it ^vill
distinguish itself either as a park or pleasure-ground tree. The fact
may not now be admitted, but the time will come, and is near,
when a harmonising of colour among trees and shrubs will be as much
in demand as it is now in our flower-gardens. I do not say that we
are yet in possession of the requisite material, but fresh introductions
are yearly coming in to enable us to carry out such an arrangement.

Evergreens are also extensively grown. In no nursery have I seen
them treated with more care. They seem to be a subject of special
regard. There is an immense number of Portugal Laurels, of almost
every size, being trained as pyramids and dwarf standards for the pur-
pose of decorating terraces and large geometric designs, or, wherever
admissible, as a substitute for Orange-trees. Nowhere have I seen
this feature produced with so much effect as at Trentham. The roots
as well as the branches undergo a careful supervision. They are
yearly, or bi-yearly, pruned so as to secure a large mass of fibre, that
removal to any part of the kingdom may be carried out with perfect
security. Without any preparation the soil is well adapted for the
Rhododendron, as it grows with the greatest freedom. The stock is
large, and comprises all the newest and best varieties. A plant of
Taxus fastigiata was pointed out to me, and I was much pleased to
have so valuable a thing brought under my notice. The habit is
exactly the same as the common Irish Yew. The distinction in colour
consists in the leaves having a green centre margined on the outside
with yellow.

The Ivy holds a conspicuous place. I had no suspicion that the vari-
egated kinds Avere so numerous ; but it is so, and they comprise a great
variety of colour. In a general way. Ivy is somewhat neglected, but
it possesses properties which only require to be utilised. Tor instance,
they would greatly assist in enabling us to introduce to our pleasure-
ground no inconsiderable amount of colour, which would lighten up
many shady corners, by having the plants trained to stumps of trees,
old roots, or in any form agreeable to the taste of the proprietor.
Again, as a screen to shut out disagreeable sights, they have been
adopted at Drayton Manor with good effect.

Roses are an important feature in Mr Smith's nursery. The collec-
tion occupies 8 acres, containing aU the newest and best kinds to be
met with elsewhere.

I now reached what may be called the preparation department, the
place where the majority of the hardy stock is propagated, containing

348 THE GARDENER. [Aug.

numerous ranges of brick pits, glazed and unglazed. There are thous-
ands upon thousands of young plants in all stages of growth, an
omnium gatherum representing every temperate region, but yet undeter-
mined whether all will withstand the rigours of our British winters.
Orchard-house trees appear to be a leading feature in Mr Smith's
nursery, and are thoroughly cared for, too. They consist principally
of Nectarines, Peaches, Pears, Apricots, Plums, and Cherries. The
amount of training, pinching, and et ceteras must consume a great deal
of labour. Including the pits to which I have just referred, the
extent of glass erections comprises 72,600 feet. There is one house
devoted exclusively to the culture of Grapes in pots, 117 feet long by
17^ feet wide. A second for the same purpose is 115 feet long by 25
feet wide. There are two orchard-houses, one 200 feet long by 27
feet wide, the other 45 feet long by 25 feet wide — these are employed
for the production of fruit ; and for the preparation of the trees, a house
196 feet long by 27 J feet wide, — so it will be seen that this department
of horticulture is carried on rather extensively, and I believe success-
fully. To these Mr Smith is making extensions : there was a house
nearly finished, 360 feet long by 19 feet wide, divided into two
divisions, the largest to be employed for the growth of Roses in pots,
and the smaller for propagating hard- wooded plants.

In addition there are Fig -houses, Orange -houses. Stove -houses.
Greenhouses, and others for the growth of ornamental plants. All
have fixed roofs, and are ventilated by small movable sashes at the top
and sides ; the whole design is simple, yet substantial. The cost of
such erections, compared with what is usually seen, must be a mere
fraction, and answer every purpose as efi'ectually. One of Jones's
terminal boilers heats 2000 feet of 4-inch pipe, — indeed, it is the only
one in use. In closing this notice I cannot help mentioning the
order that prevails in every department ; and to conduct operations
as they are done here, requires the exercise of a master mind.
When I say that one hundred and thirty men are usually em-
ployed, the number may appear excessive, but when the quality of
the stock is considered, and the great care it involves, so large
a force of physical power cannot be more than a match for the
demand.

The day was now far spent, so I hurried back to Worcester, and
took the train to Malvern Link, and thence to Madersfield Court,
the residence of Earl Beauchamp. I had frequently heard that Mr
Cox had been engaged making a new garden for some years past, and
was anxious to see what had been done. The space enclosed for the
culture of Vegetables is about 4 acres, independent of outside shps,
which are useful auxiliaries, inasmuch as many odds and ends can be

1869.] TRAVELLING NOTES. 3i9

placed there that would otherwise interfere with a regular routine of
vegetable cropping. By the walk -sides Mr Cox has entirely dis-
pensed with Box edging, in lieu of which bluish-coloured tiles have
been substituted, and have a neat appearance. In the first place, they
save a great amount of labour ; and in the second, give no shelter to
weeds or vermin of any kind. These tiles have been so constructed
as not to yield to ordinary pressure ; the uprights fit into a grooved
socket, and hold together by Eoman cement. Pyramidal Apple, Pear,
and Plum trees are planted by the side of the walks, the very picture
of health, and, no doubt, will crop well in the course of a few years.
But without the least desire to criticise, this system of training will
certainly not give so large a return as when grown in the form of
dwarf standards; there may, however, be cogent reasons for the
adoption that I do not quite comprehend.

The wall-trees have been started well, and are growing vigorously, not
so strong as to raise any suspicion that at the end of the season the
wood will be left immatured. The Peach- wall is 3 6 0 feet long, and rather
more than 1 1 feet high, planted with all the newest and best kinds.
An extensive range of houses has been put up for fruit and plant
culture. I can say, without the slightest scruple, that the arrange-
ment could not have been better, in whatever way the design may be
viewed. The Peach-houses are a half-span, 90 feet long by 14 feet
wide, planted with the following varieties of the JSTectarine : Pitmaston
Orange, Yiolette Hative, and Victoria (one which Mr Cox considers
the best, whether for forcing or planting in the open air). The Peaches
are Violette Hative, Grosse Mignonne, and others of equal merit.
Independent of these, a considerable number are gro^vn in pots, and
so managed as to ripen fruit so late as the middle of ISTovember.
None for such a purpose does Mr Cox consider so valuable as the
Salucy Peach, and no doubt, where fruit is considered a desideratum
at so late a period, this is just the sort to step in and supply the
demand. But what then ? the quality is worthless at any season.

The fruiting Pine-stoves are 90 feet long, and in all the bottom-
heat is produced by hot water. The plants were of a moderate size,
stocky, the leaves of a deep green, broad and firm. The practice is
adopted of confining the roots to small pots, now customary among
cultivators. The collection consists of the following sorts, which
Mr Cox considers sufficient to satisfy every reasonable demand : Char-
lotte Eothschild, Smooth and Prickly Cayenne, Black Jamaica, several
varieties of the Queen and Black Prince. The latter grows to a
large size. I measured a fruit nearly ripe, 1 foot high and 19 inches
in circumference at the base. Opinion differs widely as to the merits
it may possess ; some affirm that the quality is so low as only to take

350 THE GARDENER. [Aug.

a second or third position, while with others it ranks high. It is
not my intention to enter a protest in either direction. All will,
I think, willingly admit that as an exhibition fruit it has few equals.

The Fig-house is 30 feet long by 14 feet wide. The trees are
planted in prepared borders, and trained to the roof. By this plan
we may produce larger fruit, but I have never found it so numerous nor
so highly flavoured as under pot-culture, unless the roots are closely
confined. As yet there are only two plant-houses, a stove and green
house, each 32 feet long by 20 feet wide. Both are filled with a
miscellaneous collection.

During the existence of the old garden Mr Cox displayed no incon-
siderable ability as a cultivator, and no doubt, with his increased and
superior accommodation, he will exceed his former reputation. The
vineries are built in a continuous range, 150 feet long by 18 feet wide,
partitioned off into five divisions, the varieties of Grapes so arranged as
to carry on the supply to a late period. Two ranges of pits were being
built, each 50 feet long by 9 and 6 feet wide, subservient to different
purposes. The ofiices are numerous and convenient, the young men's
apartments are excellent — the time has expired when this class of men
was housed in mere hovels, as if an inferior part of creation. Nor
must I omit to notice the elegant and substantial dwelling-house that
has been built for Mr Cox, replete with all that can possibly be desired.
But persons may say. What of Mr Cox's new Grape — a cross between
the Alicante and White Muscat 1 Quite true, the inquiry is just, and
must not be passed over. I have examined it minutely, I have tasted
it more than once, and can assure my readers that it possesses first-
class properties, whatever has been or may be said to the contrary.
It possesses even a stronger Muscat flavour than the Muscat itself,
and I am informed by a good judge, who has lately visited Madersfield,
that this property increases with age. Large both in the bunch and
berry, a free setter, and, like its parents, it keeps well till late in the
season. A plate of it was lately published in the ' Florist and Pom-
ologist ' — an excellent representation, but the size of the bunch was

slightly overdone.

Alexander Cramb.

ToBTWORTH Court.

{To be continued.)

869.] ' THE KITCHEN-GARDEN. 351

THE KITCHEN-GARDEN.

No. V.

[Continued from page 268.)

LETTUCE.

To be able to supply well-blanched and crisp sweet Lettuce nearly
every week in the year, requires a considerable amount of forethought
and attention, and is a result very much valued and relished by those
who are lovers of salads. To have them in good condition early in
May in the open air, make a sowing of the Hardy Brown or Brown
Bath Cos on a bed of light rich soil from the 8th to the 20th of
August, according to soil and locality. On light early soil the latter
date is sufficiently early. It is of importance to get fine Lettuce, the
least likely to run to seed, at any season, that good cultivation should
be adopted at the beginning, and attended to throughout their whole
growth. The seedling-bed should therefore be well manured with
rotten dung, deeply dug, and well pulverised, and have an open sunny
exposure, so that the plants may be stocky and strong. The seed should
not be sown thick, as it is of importance that a crop which has to stand
outdoors unprotected should not be drawn and blanched from being
thick in the seed-bed. To get the sowing fit for use as early as pos-
sible in the open air, the bottom of a south wall is the best place to
plant them. A border from 2 to 2 J feet wide, measuring from the
wall, well manured and worked, is the position generally chosen for
this crop. When the plants are about 2 inches high, which is gener-
ally the first week of December, they are ready for transplanting from
the seed-bed into the wall-border. Put two rows in the width named,
and the plants 6 inches apart in the row ; and in performing this opera-
tion avoid the too common mode of drawing the plants from the bed
with the hand, instead of using a fork to raise them, in order to pre-
serve the tap and other roots as entire as possible. Planting should
not be performed when the soil is wet ; indeed, the best time to plant
is immediately the border is dug. The surface should be first raked
rather finely, because the great enemy of Lettuce in autumn and
winter is the slug, and a rough lumpy surface affords them the best
hiding-place, and renders measures for their destruction — such as
dusting with hot lime and soot — less efficacious. As soon as planted
they are watered, and kept regularly moist, should the weather be dry,
till they take hold of the ground and begin to grow. Beyond keeping
them free from falling leaves, and occasionally stirring the surface of
the soil, they require no further attention tiU March. In case of very
severe frosts, a few Evergreen boughs, or some straw strewn amongst

352 THE GARDENER. [Aug.

and over them, prevents them being severely crippled, and so kept later
in being fit for use.

In March, a rich piece of ground on an east or west border, well
enriched and deeply dug, is prepared whereon to plant every other
plant from the wall -border. Those transplanted plants are lifted
with a small ball of earth and planted a foot apart each way, so
leaving those from which they are thinned at the same distance. The
moved plants form a succession to those allowed to remain on the
earliest aspect. When the thinning -out is completed, fork up the
surface with a steel fork, and give copious supplies of water in warm
weather. On light dry soil a mulching of manure is of great service.
A Lettuce that is allowed to become leathery and bitter is amongst the
most distasteful things a garden can supply, while a highly- cultivated
crisp one is among the most acceptable. Those who can afford to cover
part of those by the wall-side with hand-glasses, as the French do with
cloches, will of course be favoured with much earlier Lettuces.
When the genuine variety of the Hardy Brown Cos is procured, they
rarely ever require being tied up to blanch them properly, unless it
be a few at first for the purpose of getting these blanched as early as
possible. This variety of Lettuce, when well blanched outdoors in
May, we have always regarded as amongst the most crisj) and pleasant-
flavoured grown.

To keep up an unbroken succession, it is necessary to sow more seed
in heat, to be forwarded, so as to come in before those transplanted
from the bottoms of walls are over. About the middle or end of
February sow either in boxes or in a bed of soil where a temperature
of 60° can be had. When large enough to handle, and before they
become in any way drawn, prick up into frames about 2 inches apart
each way. About a couple of feet of tree-leaves trodden into the
frame and 4 inches of light rich soil answer this purpose well. As
soon as they begin to grow freely more and more air should be given,
until the lights are taken off entirely for a while before being
planted out. When planted out, a portion of them is put on an early
south aspect, and a portion on a later exposure, so as to form a
succession. Rich soil, and in all respects liberal culture, are necessary
for them. At the time the early sowing is put in in heat, a sowing is
put in on an early border under hand-glasses, or in a cold frame, to
form a succession to those sown in warmer quarters. Eor these two
sowings I prefer the Paris White Cos, which is in all respects a superb
Lettuce.

To keep up an incessant supply of Lettuce all summer and autumn
it is necessary to sow at intervals of ten or fourteen days. And in
England more particularly, where the summers are hotter and Lettuce

1869.] THE KITCHEN-GARDEN. 353

more apt to run to seed, it is a good plan to plant from the middle of
June till the middle of July on north borders, and to manure, water, and
mulch liberally. Another excellent practice is to sow in drills a foot
apart, and as soon as they are in rough leaf thin out to 6 inches be-
tween the plants ; and finally thin out every other plant, transplant-
ing those last removed to make a succession. Making three or four
sowings in this manner during the heat of summer is one of the surest
ways of keeping up a suj^ply, as they are not so apt to run to seed
as transplanted plants. In the heat of summer, on light soils
in hot parts, it requires liberal doses of manure and deep trenching
to produce fine Lettuce ; while in Scotland, in ordinary seasons, I
have seen the very finest Lettuce produced on Celery -ridges planted in
June. The great depth of soil afi"orded by the ridge to some extent
accounts for this result.

After the middle of July the sowing of the more tender summer
varieties should be discontinued, for they are apt to suffer from damp
when the colder and damp nights of autumn set in ; and the finer and
more blanched, the more susceptible they are of being injured.
Two sowings of the Hardy Brown Cos made about the 12th and 24th
of July keep up a supply till December. The earlier of these two
sowings will give the last supply from the open ground, and later sow-
ings can be lifted and put into frames as soon as there is danger of
frost severe enough to injure them. Where there is accommodation,
another sowing of the same sort should be put in the first week in
August, to be planted in open cold pits or frames, where they can be
protected with glass to bring them safely through the winter for early
spring supply, for if above a certain size they do not stand with-
out protection. Thus there are a lot of plants fit for use in the early
part of November, either to be protected where they are grown, or to
be carefully lifted with balls and put under the protection of glass if
possible ; and a later set to put under glass, to be fit for use from
Christmas onwards through the winter. They are as much likely to
be injured from a damp stagnant air in frames or pits as from frost.
The situation should therefore be open and well exposed, and well aired
on every favourable occasion.

The varieties of Lettuce that are found most acceptable are the Cos
varieties. The Cabbage varieties are more apt to be termed frothy by
butlers, and I have known them objected to entirely by some salad
epicures. The Neapolitan and All -the -Year- Round are, however,
excellent Lettuce ; and the Hardy Hammersmith is useful from its
hardiness, for if sown in August it stands the winter well and comes
in early. The little-known Gothee variety, which makes a compact
hard head close to the ground, is fine-flavoured, and stands longer than

354 THE GARDENER. [Aug.

any other before running to seed. The Paris White Cos, London
Market Cos, Moore Park, Alma, and Hohne Park, are all excellent
Lettuce, and form sufl&cient variety, with the hardy sorts previously
referred to, for almost any establishment.

D. Thomson.

THE CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS.
THE APPLE.

{Continued from page 301 . )

I NOW come to speak of the diseases to which the Apple is subject in
Britain ; and first of all I would refer to canker. This is the greatest
enemy, and perhaps the worst to master, of all the ills against which
the cultivator of the Apple has to contend. As I hinted in a former
portion of this article, it is my humble belief that it is both constitu-
tional and hereditary to a very great extent. My conclusions on this
point are arrived at after long watching and close observation made
upon hundreds of varieties of the Apple. It must have been observed
by all gardeners that several varieties are far more liable to canker than
others which may be growing side by side with them in the garden or
the orchard. And, further, I have seen young trees (maidens) received
from the nursery apparently in the best health, which, during their
first year's probation, succumbed to the ruthless power of canker. How
is this to be accounted for 1 What answer, my reader, would you give
to your master if the half of a quantity of young trees bought in during
the current year should die upon your hands ere 1870 should close
over your head ? Very probably you will say, " Why, sir, they have
died of canker." Now this is all good enough so far as it goes, but
should he further argue that canker is a disease which is brought on
by surrounding circumstances — either a wet subsoil, a bad climate, a
wound from the spade, the hammer, or the knife ; and that he cannot
see why in the course of one short year canker should have destroyed
one half of the trees — what would you answer 1 If you will allow me, I
will tell you what answer you ought to make. It must be evident that for
one year they cannot have been so badly managed as to bring the dis-
ease upon them to such an extent, so the answer must be that the dis-
ease in this case was constitutional and hereditary. In such a case as
this, the scions must have been taken from old trees full of the disease,
which, however, the energy and power of a healthy stock have prevented
from yielding to its baneful influences while in the nursery and during
its first year's growth. The lifting, however, with the subsequent

1869.] CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS. 355

transportation and replanting, works a wonderful change. The stock
by the operation loses a considerable amount of its strength and
vigour; the roots have been cut and pruned so that the plant loses a
considerable amount of its feeding powers, and with it the constitu-
tion is to a certain extent reduced — not, however, so far as to be of the
least injury to a healthy plant, but far enough to do all the evil
possible where the tree has already got the seeds of disease flowing
through its blood. This reduction of the strength and vigour of the
tree gives the first opportunity to the disease to make its appearance.
While the stock is struggling to overcome the check sustained by trans-
planting and root-pruning, the circulation of the sap is neither so great,
so swift, nor so regular, as may be easily seen from the late start and
weak shoots formed by such a tree when compared with one which has
not been removed ; consequently, the discharge from the tree to the soil
will also be less regular and less in quantity. If this be the case, as it
must be, then the tree to a greater or less extent must be living upon
itself, and the seeds of the disease are thereby getting an opportunity
to disperse themselves over the whole body thereof. As soon as this
has taken place the case is hopeless — the tree is doomed. Xo known
power of the gardener can save a tree when it has arrived at this stage.
He may struggle with it and cut as he will — his labour in the end will
be lost. This is a lesson to us all, which shows us how much we are
in the power of the nurserymen ; and I am sorry to think that so much
of the want of success in fruit cultivation is due, not to the mis-
management of the gardener, but to the carelessness of the nurseryman
and raiser of fruit-trees. I will not deny the fact that there are
a few good firms which may be thoroughly relied upon to pro-
vide good and healthy trees true to name. For every firm, however,
for which this can be said, a dozen can be pointed to which are just the
reverse. Now it would be good for gardeners, and it would be good for
nurserymen themselves, if this were not the case. How much more satis-
factory it is for the buyer, and must also be for the seller, where every-
thing gives satisfaction ! That satisfaction may be given, it is neces-
sary that the scions be selected with the greatest care from trees of
the most undoubted health, where canker never has been. It is very
often the case, however, that the scions are obtained from some
garden or orchard near by, and some young man is sent to gather
them who neither " kens nor cares " whether they are from healthy
trees or not. In this case he gathers aU he can lay his hands upon,
from trees old and young, healthy and diseased ; he puts them into
bundles which go into the nursery to spread the disease — I had nearly
said from pole to pole — from Land's End to John o' Groat's, Avoid,
therefore, the diseased parent if you wish to become the possessor of a

356 THE GARDENER. [Aug.

healthy offspring, for the seeds of disease in the parent stem are sure
to manifest themselves in the sapling twig.

Although both constitutional and hereditary, canker is also a dis-
ease which may take hold upon the Apple through the effects of sur-
rounding circumstances. In short, canker in this form is nothing
more nor less than the want of constitutional vigour for a lengthened
period. If a tree is so placed that the food within its reach is not of
the kind and quality necessary for it — if the temperature of the soil
is too cold or too wet — then the inevitable end of the matter will be
canker and decay. It will be years, how^ever, before it makes its ap-
pearance in a tree which has been healthy and good in a young state.
As a rule, if the soil of the garden is at all like suitable for the Apple
to the depth of 18 inches, it will be very bad management indeed if
canker should make its appearance during the first dozen years of
their existence there. If the instructions already laid down are
attended to with regard to root-2:)runing, &c., it may be avoided
altogether. It will thus be evident that root-pruning serves a double
purpose — first, in bringing the young tree into a good and early fruit-
bearing condition ; and, second, in keeping it in the same by guarding
against canker, and keeping it in a genial temperature and within
reach of wholesome food.

It will be quite unnecessary for me to enter into details explaining
what canker is, as it is well known by every one who has ever had the
most limited collection of fruit-trees under his care. In the case of
receiving under one's care a collection of trees which are suffering to
a certain extent from this disease, the first thing to be done, if the
trees are worth the trouble, is to have them lifted and examined, the
bad roots cut away, and the tree planted in good fresh soil. Let the
branches also be examined, and all cankered portions at once removed.
This may prove of very much advantage to the tree for many years,
yet the fact need not be disguised that the tree will never be the
same again as if it had not suffered from the attacks of the disease.
I would almost recommend in every case of this sort that a collection
of young trees be bought in to take the place of the older ones; retain-
ing the older ones, however, until such time as the young ones are
brought into a fruit-bearing condition. Although old ones may give
satisfaction for a few years, yet nevertheless, if they have suffered from
an attack of canker, the health and vigour of treehood, if I be allowed
to make a word to answer my purpose, will have gone for ever. I know
of no disease to which humanity is heir which is so analogous to
canker in a tree as that of consumption. iSTow admitting this fact, it
must be evident that a tree which has once suffered by it can never be
the same again, for it is a well- ascertained fact that a man who has

1869.] HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 357

been cured from the earlier stages of consumption has never the vigour
and energy of one who never has been attacked at all.

Mildew is another disease which frequently attacks the Apple, espe-
cially in dry seasons such as the present. Some kinds are more liable
to its ravages than others. The more delicate and tender sorts
often suffer much, while those of a stronger constitution escape,
thus giving effect to the general law of nature that the weak shall
suffer first. Mildew makes its appearance upon the young leaves and
shoots of fruit trees early in summer. A deposit of matter, giving the
branch the appearance of having been dusted over with flour, makes its
appearance. When touched with the finger it has a soft uncomfortable
feeling. This matter is no less than a parasitic fungus, having life and
growing, and in course of time sending off millions of little spores,
which, borne upon the wings of the wind, may be carried to far and
distant climes, there to work havoc upon the fruitful trees of sunny
lands. I am of opinion, however, that dryness is not the sole cause of
its appearance, and that it is not created for the time being and then
for ever dies, but that it lives and dies generation after generation, the
same as any other member of the vegetable kingdom. Seeing this to
be the case, I further believe that cold easterly winds help to bring it
to us ; that it would matter little whether the season were dry or not ;
if the wind kept always in the west, we would have little or no mildew
upon our trees. I am therefore of opinion that the state of the atmo-
sphere during cold sharp east winds is such as to be most conducive to the
spread of this disease. Then it is dry, searching, and sharp — the spores
will also be dry, light, and easily upborne ; and with all these things
working together for its migration, it need not be doubted, and I firmly
believe, that it may fly for hundreds of miles, borne upon the wings of
the wind, ere it lodges upon the branches of our trees, and becomes the
mildew of the fruit cultivator. Dry sulphur, blown on with a sul-
phurator or sulphur-box while the dew rests upon the branches, will be
found to be the best remedy which can be applied.

James M'Millax.
{To he continued.)

NOTES ON HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS.

Androsace. — This is one of the prettiest of the genera of Primulacese,

• and a most interesting group of alpine plants. Several of the species

are annual, others are biennial, but the greater number are perennial,

and all are rather difficult to keep under ordinary conditions near the

358 THE GARDENER. [Aug.

sea-level. They are all strictly alpine plants, and are Lardy enough
to resist successfully the severest temperature we are liable to in this
climate ; but a moist stagnant atmosphere they cannot endure. Abun-
dant moisture at the roots is delighted in by all the species, provided
the drainage be good and the soil open and porous ; but the foliage of
all the densely hairy species at least should be kept dry in winter and
protected from battering rains. The soil should be open fibrous peat
and loam, in about equal parts, and should be well sharpened up with
gritty sand ; and in the case of two or three species a little pounded
limestone will be found advantageous. These species are A. lactea,
A. villosa, and A. cylindrica.

A. Chaince-jasme, from the Alps, generally grows about 4 or 5
inches high, with weakly trailing branches, bearing a few small lan-
ceolate leaves at the extremities ; leaves and branches alike covered
with long spreading silky hairs. The flowers are white, with yellow
— often red — eyes, and are produced in small dense umbels about
June, and continue till August.

A. villosa forms small cushion-like tufts 2 or 4 inches high ; the
leaves are small in dense rosettes, and are covered with long shaggy
hairs. The flowers in small umbels are pure white, with yellow or red
tubes, and are of considerable substance. They appear in June and
July. Found on the loftier mountains of Europe generally.

A. lactea, from the Alps, is a pretty little tufted species, with deep
green ciliate leaves, and rather large showy white umbels of flowers ;
appearing from June till August.

A. lanuginosa is rather loose, trailing, and spreading in growth,
with rosettes of oval lanceolate leaves at the extremities of the
branches, covered densely with silky-white close-lying hairs. The
flowers in small loose umbels are large individually, pink, with a yellow
eye, and appear in June and July.

A. carnea is not one of the best, but is one of the earliest flowering
of the family. The stems are tufted, and terminate in rosettes of
almost awl- shaped leaves, from which spring the pretty umbels of pink
or rose-coloured flowers with yellow tubes ; flowers in May and June.
From the Alps and Pyrenees.

A. cylindrica, from the Pyrenees, is closely tufted in habit, and the
small lanceolate blunt leaves are closely imbricate. The flower-stalks
are simple, and rather longer than most of this section of the genus.
The flowers are pure white, and appear in July and August.

A. ciliata is one of the most beautiful of the group. It is also very
easy to distinguish from any of the foregoing by the inflorescence be-
ing simple instead of compound. It forms dense cushions of closely
imbricated ciliate foliage. The flowers are numerous, variable in

1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 359

colour, being pink, rose, and sometimes purplish or pale violet, and
appears in June and July. From the Pyrenees.

4- Helvetica is densely cushioned in form, and the leaves are lanceo-
late and closely imbricate. The flowers are almost stalkless, and,
like those of the last species, are produced singly at the terminations
of the branches ; they are pure white, and appear in July and August.

Aretia. — This is another genus of Primulacese, and is very nearly
allied to Androsace. It is alpine, and must have the same treatment
as Androsace.

A. Vitaliana, called also Gregoria Vitaliana, is very prostrate in
habit, with numerous stems clothed with linear acute leaves. The
flowers are yellow and numerous ; they appear in May and June. It
forms a very beautiful object on rockwork, and is not so difiicult to
manage as some of the Androsaces. W. S.

HINTS FOR AMATEURS. -AUGUST.

At this season, in most gardens, watering (with liquid manure if it
can be had) may be done freely among all growing crops, especially
Pease, Cabbage, Cauliflower, and Lettuce, which are expected to turn
in soon for use ; and on sandy soil a good mulching is of great service.
On such soil it is difficult to secure good Pease without plenty of mois-
ture at their roots. Where Pease are growing freely, and turning in
earlier than desirable, the crop may be prolonged by lopping back
gross shoots, and keeping the pods clean picked off as they become
fit for use. Keep an open surface wherever the hoe can be used,
especially among Broccolis, Brussels Sprouts, Kale, and other winter
vegetables. When Turnips, Potatoes, and other crops are cleared off,
let the ground be filled up with something that may be in demand in
winter or spring. Kales, Carrots, and Spinach will be very useful ;
no ground should be left as a harbour for weeds. Endive, Lettuce,
and all other salads, may be sown again for autumn and winter use.
Sow Early Horn Carrots for a supply of small roots (so much in
demand by some). They can be protected through the winter, and
drawn as required. Sow more Cabbage, which can be pricked out to
stand the winter for spring planting. Coleworts planted thickly apart
at this season will come in useful in early winter ; though they may
only have leaves, they are very tender and sweet. All the smaller
kinds of early Cabbage, if planted now, are often of great value in
mild winters ; well-worked ground, with thoroughly decayed manure,
is necessary to grow them freely. Onions to stand the winter may be
sown now ; a sheltered position is of advantage, but should not be

360 ' THE GARDENER. [Aug.

shaded by trees, <fec. Turnips may be sown for spring use. Strap-
leaved and Early Stone often can be had in February and March from
autumn sowings ; when drawn from the ground they are more juicy
than when kept in pits, &c. Let all salads, Cauliflower, &c., which
are to be kept under protection through the winter, be pricked out
before they are weakened by drawing up in the seed-beds. Celery
for early use should now be kept well earthed up, first giving a good
soaking of water, if necessary ; then dust with lime, if slugs are at all
troublesome. Keep the earth out of the hearts of the plants to pre-
vent rotting. "We have seen fine useful Celery planted in the south
as late as August. All the later crops should have plenty of moisture
at the roots if crisp Celery is wanted. If Onions are growing strongly
still, they may be twisted at their necks, which will hasten ripening.
Seeds to be saved will now require attention ; if cut in small bunches
and placed in the sun they will do well. Dryness is of great impor-
tance to all seeds when ripening. Tomatoes will now require close
topping, and where the fruit are too numerous they may be thinned
off ; and except means can be afforded to ripen the fruit, none need be
allowed to set after August. On the walls protection can be given to
keep them in bearing. On the back walls of our sunk pits they are
doing admirably, and the wooden covers can be pushed on when frost
makes its appearance. Dung for Mushroom-beds may be collected
and allowed to dry moderately ; then throw it in a heap to heat, but
not to burn. The beds can be made in sheds or anywhere, but where
there is proper protection much labour is saved — 1 foot deep of horse-
droppings, thoroughly beaten firm, and allowed to heat before the pieces
of spawn are put in (care being exercised to prevent overheating, by
making a number of holes in the bed to let the heat escape). The
bed is thus made, and ought to produce Mushrooms with little further
trouble at this season. The covering of earth should be good, healthy
loam, soft and rich, and placed 2 inches over the surface a week or
so after the bed is spawned. The size of bed will be regulated accord-
ing to the demand. There are many opinions about spawning, but
I have often abundance of fine Mushrooms by placing the spawn an
inch or two deep in the dung, and 10 or 12 inches apart. The
pieces are broken up about the size of pigeons' eggs, and any of
the cakes which have no spawn in them are discarded. The bed
should remain untouched for five or six weeks after spawning, then
tepid water may be given sufficiently to moisten through the covering
of earth. Heavy drenchings of cold water destroy the spawn, but a
moist atmosphere is beneficial. Small beds made frequently keep the
most regular supply; besides, it is not always convenient to secure
large quantities of manure for the purpose.

1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 361

Strawberries which are done with should be trenched down ; others
which are to stand should be cleared of all runners, mulching, decaying
leaves, &c., and the surface of the soil pointed ever with a fork, or the
hoe used freely. The more attention given now, the better will the
plants be able to give a good supply of fruit next season : plants in
preparation either for forcing or for planting out require liberal supplies
of water overhead as well as at their roots. Those in pots require turning
round, and the roots should be prevented from growing through. Cu-
cumbers w^hich have been bearing freely may be cut in a little, and a good
surfacing of turfy loam and a little decayed manure given. A good
watering with tepid water will be of great service w^here roots are very
plentiful, and a good lining of manure placed round the plants to en-
courage free growth. Thin Vegetable Marrows : they require plenty of
room to grow. When watering this class of plants, it is necessary to
find the extremities of the roots, as continued watering near the necks
of the plants, leaving the feeders to perish, soon brings on disease. Trees
require to be looked over, taking away any leaves or shoots that may
be shading the fruit, pushing them aside, or taking them off if they can
be spared. Summer nailing, tying, &c., are generally finished this
month, so that the shoots may have the full benefit of the walls w^hile
there is sun to prepare them for fruiting. Flies, wasps, and birds are
generally great enemies in gardens at this season. Hexagon netting
or some other material should be used, or there wall be much of the
best of the fruit destroyed. If the w^eather should be dry, liberal
soakings of water should be given to young trees ; and a good washing
with a garden engine will be of great service in destroying greenfly,
red-spider, and dust.

Anemone and Ranunculus seed may be sown early in the month (if
not already done). Any of the common roots may be sown in rows in
an open border, but the finer kinds should be sown in pans or boxes,
or where they can be attended and protected if necessary. Auriculas
can be potted now if they require it : their roots should be examined,
and if healthy, and the pots are not well filled, they had better remain as
they are. A shift to a larger-sized pot is necessary when there are
plenty of healthy feeders ; when any of them are unhealthy, the sour
soil may be taken carefully away, and good turfy loam and a little sand
substituted. Re-pot in same sized or smaller pots, giving plenty of
drainage : though loam and good rotten dung is often used when pot-
ting Auriculas, it is better to leave out the manure when roots are un-
healthy, and cannot consume it. Attend to layering Carnations and
Picotees, if not already done. Water carefully those which are rooting.
Dahlias, Hollyhocks, and all border plants, should have all decaying
flowers taken off as soon as they are observed, and should be well secured

362 THE GARDENER. ^ [Aug.

to their stakes. Wind often does great damage when tying has not been
well seen to. Chrysanthemums require plenty of water, otherwise they
will lose their bottom leaves. Stakes may now be used to keep the
branches in their positions, and from being crowded. All half-hardy
plants in pots, such as Verbenas, Petunias, Calceolarias, Geraniums,
etc., require liberal treatment now, as the plants are blooming freely.
Manure-water will be of great service in keeping them vigorous. The
surfaces of the pots cleared of old soil, and fresh rich loam and rotten
dung given, will also aid root-action : no battered surfaces shrunk
from the sides of the pots should be tolerated. Plenty of Pansy cuttings
should now be put in ; they are becoming one of the leading plants
for bedding, and are easily managed. Imperial Blue, Clieveden
Yellow, and some other distinct kinds, are of great value. A good stock
of all hardy kinds of bedding -plants should be secured, especially
where means are limited for keeping others through the winter. All
kinds of plants for decorating the borders and beds should now be
propagated without delay : boxes, pans, or pots, well drained witli
broken pots, &c., good loam, sand, and leaf-mould in equal propor-
tions, suit most things ; and a frame for Verbenas, Petunias, and
similar soft-wooded plants, answers well. All they require is to keep
them from flagging, and when there are signs of active growth, air must
be given liberally to strengthen and establish the cuttings. Handlights
and many other methods are adopted by amateurs, all doing very
well : proper attention to moisture, shading, and air, however, are
necessary to insure success. Geraniums of the scarlet class are generally
placed in boxes of light loamy soil and sand, and set full in the sun,
so that they can be easily removed to their winter-quarters when the
season is further advanced. Cutting in and topping down plants in
the borders and beds must not be neglected now, when so much
of the appearance depends on orderly keeping. Plants allowed
to grow over Box edgings or grass edgings have a slovenly appear-
ance, and the edgings are frequently killed by such neglect. Roses
which have flowered may have some of the shoots cut well back,
and they will flower freely late in autumn. Keep all suckers closely
cut off, and untie those which were budded early : cut off all un-
necessary shoots from the stocks, to let the whole vigour of the plants
be thrown into the buds. Any plants grown in pots, such as Lilacs,
Deutzias, Kalmias, Rhododendrons, &c., should now be placed where
they can have abundance of sun and air to ripen and prepare
their flower -buds for forcing. Primulas, Cinerarias, and herbace-
ous Calceolarias for next winter, spring, and summer decoration,
require plenty of fresh air, abundance of water (keeping clear
drainage), and liberal shifts into good turfy loam, sand, and a

1S69.] THE QUINCE STOCK. 363

little leaf-mould. Primulas require lighter soil, with a little peat
if it can be had : a frame kept facing the north will still suit them
till the season advances. Keep down green -fly among Cinerarias
and Calceolarias by the use of tobacco smoke judiciously used, so
that the foliage may not be injured. M. T.

THE QUINCE STOCK.

It is with much pleasure that I lift up my pen to make answer to Mr
Simpson's article on the above subject (see May number of the ' Gar-
dener,' page 230). I am glad that he has procured for me this oppor-
tunity of more fully explaining one of the principal points referred to in
my articles upon the Pear. He was right in surmising, as my articles
clearly indicate, that I ''would only be guided by considerations of
soil and climate in adopting it [the Quince stock], in preference to the
Pear, for standards or pyramids." Considerations of soil and climate
I consider to be the first points to be studied by the gardener who has
a desire to arrive at right conclusions regarding either the fruit, flower,
or vegetable garden. The gardener who fails to consider these, and
bring them to bear upon his everyday operations, cannot claim
credit for any good results which may be arrived at, as they are the
productions of mere chance, the soil and climate deserving all the
praise. Change such a one to a diflferent place or position, and the
results will be very different : he. having only the mechanical knowledge,
will work away in his own mechanical way ; while he who has the
theoretical, the practical, and the scientific all combined and finely
blended together, will be able to arrive at much better conclusions,
produce more regular results, and will be a man who will succeed,
place him where you will.

I believe more men fail with the Pear upon the Quince, for the
simple reason that they fail to perceive that a very difi"erent mode of
treatment is necessary for the one than the other. It is no uncommon
thing to hear a gardener say, " Well, I have discarded the Quince
stock as useless. I planted a number of them with a number worked
upon the Pear side by side ; they all received the same treatment, and
the end of it is, I would not see them about the place !" Now this is
exactly what I find fault with. Such gardeners belong to the same
class as those quack doctors, who will not be loath to make you
believe that they can give a box of pills, or some other trash, which
will cure humanity of all the iUs to which it is heir. Let the
gardener who plants Pears upon the Quince understand that he has

SU THE GARDENER. [Aug.

got a very different subject to treat than the Pear upon the Pear.
The latter is in its natural and most congenial position ; the former is,
as it were, a sojourner and a stranger in a foreign land. The former
is sure to succeed if the soil and climate suit, if root-pruning is at-
tended to regularly, and the tree kept free from its various and many
enemies. But then there are many soils and situations where the
Pear will not succeed upon the Pear unless deep artificial borders are
made.

The west of Scotland, as I formerly said, is one of these, the
average depth of soil in many of its districts not being more than 12
to 15 inches, while close beneath this lies a stratum of gravel highly
impregnated with iron. Now, I will ask any reasonable man, will the
Pear stock succeed in such a position, seeing that it must be utterly
impossible to keep the roots from entering this bad substratum even
suppose we had the power of root-pruning once a-month ? It might
be possible for a few years, but only for a few. Almost as soon as
the tree began to bear, disease, canker, and death would be draining
its very life-blood out at every leaf. Another enemy we here have to
contend against is wet ; and I believe and know from experience that
the Quince is a better resister of damp than the Pear, where properly
managed.

I have here about five dozen Pears on the Quince and five dozen on the
Pear. They are open for inspection to every inquirer. They are five
and six years of age, and I have no hesitation in decidedly affirming
that those upon the Quince are the best trees, produce the best wood
yearly, which ripens as hard and brown as a Vine, and, to add to all,
their appearance is much more handsome ; and from what I have seen
elsewhere, when they arrive at full bearing, the Quince will prove the
more profitable investment of the two.

Those worked upon the Pear will be root-pruned this year in autumn,
which will be the second time during their five years' existence, and
in some cases it will have been oftener.

Those upon the Quince we manage in quite a different way. Every
year, or at least every two years, we cut a trench round each plant,
being as careful as possible not to injure one of the roots. We often
remove the soil away from them to a little extent, to enable us to get
the fresh materials placed as near the body of the roots as possible.
This being done, we introduce a fresh mixture of richly-manured loam,
placing the roots which were laid bare into their position as we pro-
ceed. We also proceed to uncover the upper surface all over the
extent of the plant to the depth of 3 or 4 inches, or until we find that
we are coming into contact with the upper roots. Into this we place
3 inches of good rotten dung, covering the whole over with an inch

1869.] SPRING GARDENING. 3G5

or two of soil. Now no one can deny but that there is as little trouble
in doing this as in root-pruning ; and if this be the case, and the after-
results prove better, the advantage entirely lies with the Quince
stock.

Our reasons for proceeding upon these principles with the Pear upon
the Quince are as follows : The Quince, as every one knows, is a weakly
grower compared to the Pear, therefore by placing the Pear upon it
we are imposing a burden greater than it can bear in a natural way.
We therefore are hard taskmasters, and worse than Pharaoh, who
expected the children of Israel to make bricks without straw, if we
do not use the means, by providing the meat ready at hand for the
use of the Quince, so that it may be enabled to procure at once an
abundant supply of food for the capacious stomach of its glutton
brother who is saddled upon its back for life.

It is impossible that the Quince can do the work required of it by
the Pear without assistance, and it is still more wonderful that so many
intelligent and able gardeners should expect it to do so. It is as if,
should we choose to place the donkey in the horse's cart, the donkey
should be expected and compelled to bear the horse's burden.

I trust, if I failed to convey my full argument upon " The Quince
stock " when treating of the Pear, that I have now done so. No doubt
others may have different opinions upon the matter in hand, and if
they have found the issue of their labours different from mine, they
are quite entitled to hold their ground with steadiness and firmness ;
but if those who are of the reverse opinion to what I am will give my
principles a fair trial, I have no doubt that in the course of a few years
their war-cry at the " battle of the Pears " will be, "The Quince ! the
Quince for ever ! "

I am much obliged to Mr Simpson for the very kind and gentle-
manly manner in which he opened up the subject, and trust that what
I now have said may prove of interest to the many readers of the
' Gardener ' who may not have fully understood the ground upon which
I defended the Quince. James M'Millax.

SPRING GARDENING AT BIRMINGHAM.

Foremost of all the illustrations of spring gardening I have been
privileged to look upon this season, stands that almost unrivalled
garden in the grounds of the Holte Hotel, Lower Grounds, Aston,
Birmingham. Better than Belvoir, with its vast and elaborate arrange-
ments ; better than Clieveden, with its immense masses of colour and
its grand surroundings of rich scenery and woodland ; better than

366 THE GARDENER. [Aug.

Nuneham, with its much more minute and artistic arrangements ;
better than all these in this, that the Aston garden is an outcome of
private enterprise — designed, planted, and sustained as a place of
public resort, to which can come the almost teeming multitudes that
inhabit the immense borough of Birmingham, and see, in all their
simplicity of beauty, how wondrously attractive common flowers may
be made, where an enterprising genius, a true artist in the exquisite
arrangement of harmony and distribution of colours, and the large
heart of a true social philanthropist, wields the almost magic wand by
which so much of freshness and beauty woos, and woos successfully,
the sons and daughters of toil to gaze on that which to them is full
of new wonder and delight, and capable of satisfying aspirations and
awakening capacities the bountiful heart of nature has committed to
such agencies to call into active and harmonious play.

The grounds of the Holte Hotel are a part of the Aston Park estate,
but divided from it by the main road which runs from Aston to
another of the wealthy suburbs of Birmingham. It is simply a j^lace of
public resort for the people of Birmingham, where amusements and
sources of recreation are provided, with delightful walks and charming
gardens, but without the admixture of a single coarse feature. It is a
kind of Sydenham Palace, having all the characteristics of the outer
grounds without the palace of glass, but yet having musical and other
features of a high and elevating order. There are two great lakes of
several acres in extent — one kept as a home for wild-fowl and orna-
mental water-fowl, with overhanging umbrageous trees, under which
are shady and pleasant walks ; the other, for boating and fishing.
There are also archery, croquet, cricket, bowling, and quoit grounds ;
a large concert-hall for public gatherings, theatricals, concerts, and,
under the strictest and most severe supervision, dancing. There are
also extensive refreshment -rooms, where large parties can be enter-
tained; and in addition to these, charming pleasure-grounds and
promenades, and a first-class band of music performing every day.
Thousands enter these gardens the year through, and it is always
pleasant to note what a chief source of attraction are the gardens, with
their vari-coloured beds, and specimen ornamental trees, and extensive
greensward —

" With singing birds and balnay flowers,
Creatures of beauty and delight/'

where the visitors love to linger in the calm twilight —

' ' When the fragrance of flowers is lightly
Awaf t on the soft evening breeze,
Whilst the pale moon is glinting so brightly
With silver the tremulous leaves."

1'6

69.] SPRING GARDENING. 36'

There is also another use in these grounds : they serve as a kind of
school of instruction for many of the surrounding gardeners, who are
far removed from the centres of horticultural enterprise and activity.
The proprietor, Mr H. G. Quilter, although not a practical horticul-
turist, is yet alive to the importance of introducing any new feature
into his bedding-out system ; and new designs and new agencies are
instantly seized upon as soon as they present themselves, if they can
be turned to account, with the best possible results. Even subtropical
gardening is here extensively carried out and much appreciated,
though it is amusing in the highest degree to stand by one of the
raised beds in which the curious Echeveria metallica plays an impor-
tant part, and listen to the altogether unique criticisms which fall
from the lips of some of the excursionists from the " black country,"
of which Birmingham may be regarded as the metropolis.

In the centre of the grounds stands a walled-in garden of 4 acres,
in shape a square, and formerly the kitchen-garden belonging to Aston
Hall. While flower-gardening is largely carried out in various direc-
tions outside this central garden, it is within it that it is most elabor-
ated. Broad gravel-walks, running from east to west and from south
to north, and intersecting each other in the centre, form a kind of Mal-
tese cross ; and at a certain distance from the centre, each arm of the
cross opens out, as it were, and embraces a large oval bed, occupying
the centre of the walk. A border some 8 feet in width is on either
side of the gravel- walks, and rises from the path-level to a height
of 3 feet in the middle, forming a kind of ridge, and falls away to
the ground-level on the other side. This gives an 18-feet border,
raised considerably in the centre. This raised border and the gravel-walks
form the cross, the angles being filled with turf, on which are flower-
beds of various shapes and sizes, specimen trees, ornamental shrubs, &c.
The centre of this garden appears in the plan on next page. The
outer border of the plan represents one-half of the sloping bed — that
falling inwards to form the centre of the cross.

This central garden, as given in the plan, is to some extent complete
in itself, as the summit of the sloping bed (forming the exterior of the
plan) has a kind of fence of galvanised iron, the top of which hangs in
the form of festoons, like the " slack rope " on which an acrobat per-
forms. Each circle on the exterior of the plan represents a standard
plant of Acer negundo variegata, immediately under the silvery-foliao-ed
head of which the extremities of the festoons meet. This iron fence
is covered with Irish Ivy, and gives an admirable background to the
flower-beds in front and at the back of it. The openings made by the
walks are overarched by strong and elegant wire archways of ornamental
designs, and from the centre of each is suspended a handsome hanging

368

THE GARDENER.

[Aug.

basket of plants. These arches are covered by Hops, quick-growing
Climbing Roses, Clematises, &c. As the wire arches spring from the
back of the border as given in the plan, the corresponding corners
where the path opens out from the circle are occupied by vases of
flowering plants fixed on pedestals. Inside the Ivy fence is a circular
line of Yews, forming a hedge about 4 feet in height, and at inter-
vals standard Roses are planted in the hedge. The straight lines run-
ning from back to front, forming the divisions of this border into

oblong beds, are composed of dwarf Spruce Firs, kept clipped to a
minimum height of 12 inches. The outline of the angular oblong
panel within each division is formed also of a double row of Scotch
Firs ; these are used only at the time of planting out for the spring
display, and are removed when the summer bedding plants are
placed out.

The spring display of these beds was arranged thus: The space
between the double row of dwarf Firs was filled with double red Daisies,
with a line of the variegated Arabis mollis between the Daisies and

1869.] SPRING GARDENING. 369

Firs; outside the inner panel formed by the Firs, and all round it, T\'as
a line of Stachys lanata, and at each angle a patch of Aubrietia pur-
purea in the form of the segment of a circle. This arrangement
was carried through the whole series of beds forming the outside
circle. In the centres of the beds the arrangement alternated with
the next bed; either it was a centre of the pink Silene pendula mingled
with double crimson Tulips, or a centre of blue Forget-me-not
mingled with the pretty rose-flaked Silver Standard Tulip. Next the
broad circular gravel- walk was an edging of turf, about 12 inches
in breadth. It was a happy thought of Mr Quilter's to throw up this
raised circular border : the area of this garden is so large that it re-
quires some such arrangement to show off the fine effect of the masses
of colour found here ; and no one can give an idea of the splendour
of the scene but those who have inspected it.

Turning now to the centre of this garden, the writer comes to speak
of a display almost unparalleled in the history of spring gardening.
The outside scroll-bed is on a level with the circular walk, and, with
the sunken garden in the centre, may be said to be inlaid in turf.
Next the scroll-bed, on the inside, is a sharp fall of some 5 feet, in
the form of a turfy bank ; then come four circular beds, each sur-
rounding a pedestal supporting a vase, and four beds between them in
the form of sections of a circular line. A fountain, rather below the
level of this sunken garden, forms the centre, composed of " slag " —
i.e., the bluish- tinted rock-like refuse from the glass-works; a low stone
basin contains the water. The double line round the fountain in the
diagram represents a border; next the basin was a line of the common
Fern of the woods ; then, inside, a circle of Spruce Fir ; then Wall-
flowers, edged with a circular line of showy gold-laced Polyanthuses.
Among the Wallflowers, Tulips were planted thus : at the back a
row of double crimson, the remainder with the double yellow. The
pedestals in the four small circular beds were also formed of "slag."
The vases had been filled with Hyacinths, but these had been removed,
and their place supplied with Centaurea candidissima. The beds at the.
foot of each pedestal were filled with Echeveria secunda. The other four
beds were filled with Silene pendula as a carpet. From two of them rose
a kind of canopy formed of the Silver Standard early single Tulip; from
two others, the showy single Duchesse de Parma, red, edged with gold.

But the feature of the garden was the scroll-bed now about to be
described. This bed is above 90 yards in length by 5 feet in width.
The serpentine line was formed of a deep-coloured double crimson
Daisy ; while the rounded angles or groundwork of the bed were filled
with the double white Daisy. On either side of the winding line of
crimson Daisy was one of Echeveria secunda. The small circles on

2 B

370 THE GARDENER. [Aug.

the path-side, as seen in the plan, -^ere formed of a small clump of the
dark-foliaged Ajiiga reptans, encircled by the pink double Daisy, which
was acrain encircled with Viola cornuta. On the fountain-side the
Ajuga was still employed as a centre to the circles, but surrounded by
Aubrieta purpurea, encircled by the variegated foliaged double Daisy.
This arrangement appeared to be perfect, and the mass of colouring
very fine indeed. Mr Quilter stated that it took seven thousand
Daisies to plant this bed alone. Looking at this display from either
side of the garden on entering, a kind of irregular but large mass of
colouring was perceptible ; but as the visitor approached it, the exquisite
arrangement became quite clear, and the mass of blended colours rose
up, as it w^ere, to meet the eye. Of all the manifold aspects of the
gardens here, this scroll-bed was the most striking, and a sight of it
would have amply repaid a journey from London.

In a flower-garden that exhausts above a quarter of a million of plants
at bedding-out time, there must, of necessity, be many details that it
is impossible to sketch within the compass of a paper of this extent.
It may be stated, however, that there is a broad border under the wall
on each side of this garden, some 10 feet in width, formed into diamond-
shaped panels by the use of the dwarf Spruce Fir. On two sides of
the garden these panels were filled alternately wdth blue, yellow, v;hite,
and purple Pansies ; and on the two other sides with blue and white
Forget-me-not and Silene pendula, used in distinct masses of colour.
The angles, back and front, w^ere filled with Cerastium tomentosum,
which comes into flower almost at the same time as the spring-bloom-
ing plants ; and when the occupants of the beds are changed, it is
simply necessary to clip the Cerastium with a pair of shears, and then
it likewise does good service as a foliaged plant the summer through.

It would tax the ablest pen to do justice to these grounds and their
extensive floral decorations. The horticultural world should know how
much is being done in the somewhat uncongenial neighbourhood of
Birmingham to create and foster a love for flowers, and the incidents
of horticulture there ; and it should also know that the most gratifying
results, both in a professional and a social point of view, have sprung
from what has been so well attempted. The somewhat cynical Ameri-
can essayist who wrote of the English people that "they are proud and
private, and, even if disposed to recreation, will avoid an open garden,"
could not have visited the Aston Lower Grounds. To these gardens come
visitors of high and low degrees. In the presence of flowers and their
intimate surroundings, the distinctions of caste seem to be (temporarily
at least) laid aside. They still teach the great lesson drawn from their
simple beauty by that wondrous Teacher of old, "that Solomon in
all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." K D.

1869.] NEW PLANTS OF THE PAST MONTH. 371

NEW PLANTS OF THE PAST MONTH.

{Continued from page 315.)
Since Echeveria metallica came to be generally known, together with
those very useful dwarf-growing forms, E. secunda and E. secunda
glauca, several more have been obtained, either by introduction or
from seed obtained by crossing some of the other kinds. Like the
progeny of many other plants, seedlings raised from seed of E. metal-
lica show a tendency to come varied in character, and some handsome
new types have been obtained, both from seed of the w^ell-known
species and as the result of crossing it with others. Foremost in the
work of hybridising has been Mr Kobert Parker, of the Exotic Nursery,
Tooting, who has been most successful in obtaining some new forms,
quite distinct in character, and of these the following have received
first-class certificates : E. glauco-metallica, E. grandiflora, and E.
secunda glauco-major. Equally successful has Mr Parker been with
the Sempervivums, and of these the following have received first-
class certificates : S. canariense, S. cuneatum, S. calcaratum, S. urti-
cans, and S. glaucum. The same award was made to Mr Parker for a
capital form of Saxifraga longifolia named Vera.

Double-flowering Pelargoniums are rapidly on the increase — would it
were possible that distinctness kept pace with the multiplication of
numbers ! First-class certificates have recently been awarded to William
Pfitzer, deep scarlet ; Victor Lemoine, glowing crimson, the florets broad
and stout; Marie Lemoine, a pleasing soft pink flower. These show
an advance in point of habit also ; what we want is compact bushy
habits, not a tall lanky style of growth. As the foregoing have been
widely distributed, they are now being exhibited by all cultivators.

Of Bedding Pelargoniums, Mr George Smith of Islington, whose
name is so worthily associated with the improvement of the Nosegay
Pelargoniums, has received a first-class certificate for Mr Gladstone, a
fine crimson-flowered variety, with huge trusses of bloom ; Mr J. George
of Putney, for Harry George, a very fine variety, with bold trusses of
deep orange rose-coloured flowers, a good exhibition kind : and to
Messrs Downie, Laird, & Laing for Empress Eugenie, one of their fine
gold and bronze varieties.

A first-class certificate has been awarded to Mr William Paul for
Hybrid Perpetual Rose, Princess Christian, a very delicate pink flower
of almost perfect outline, but when exhausted shows a want of sub-
stance in the centre. It is a fitting companion to La France, Baro-
ness de Rothschild, Miss Ingram, and Madam Noman, all of a similar
shade of colour.

Lobelia Mauve Queen, shown by Mr Appleby of Brixton, was also

372 THE GARDENER. [Aug.

awarded a first-class certificate. It has good -sized pale rosy -lilac
coloured flowers, of excellent dwarf habit, and to all appearance
a continuous bloomer. It is a capital addition to these charming rose-
coloured bedding Lobelias. Another thoroughly good thing was Per-
petual Picotee, Prince of Orange, shown by Mr Perkins of Leamington,
and awarded a first-class certificate. It has pale yellow flowers, of
good size and substance, heavily edged with bright red, and will be of
creat service both for house decoration and to cut from.

A grand new imported Cypripedium, named Parishi, recently im-
ported by INIessrs Veitch &, Son, has received a first-class certificate. It
is quite distinct in character, and may be said to have the sepals of C.
Ifeviojatum and the labellum of C. Hookeri. The same award was
made to Mr Bull for a very fine form of Miltonia Regnelli named
purpurea ; the same award to Mr Green, gardener to W. Wilson
Saunders, Esq., for Catasema, vSjDecies nova ; and to Brassavola lineata,
a white flowering species much fancied by Orchid-growers. Mr Ed-
wards of Nuttall received a first-class certificate for Pteris serrulata
cristata magnifica, a large growing crested form of this useful decora-
tive Fern. Mr C. J. Perry of Birmingham has received first-class
certificates for Verbenas, J. Lawdon, Kate Lawdon, and J. Sanders.
As I am just about to inspect at Birmingham Mr Perry's new lot of
seedling Verbenas, I will defer any description of these till I can place
them before your readers as a whole.

Mr C. Noble, Bagshot, has been exhibiting his fine new red Spirsea
palmata of late. It still maintains its reputation, and cannot fail to
please all who may become purchasers of it, though it is somewhat
doubtful if it will force well.

The Fruit Committee have just awarded Messrs James Carter & Co,
and Messrs Hurst & Son a first-class certificate for Laxton's Alpha
Pea, a very early blue variety, having a half-wrinkled character, and
said to be as early as Sangster's No. 1 , It is one of a very fine lot
raised by Mr Thomas Laxton of Stamford, the entire stock of vrhich
has passed into the hands of the well-known firms named above.
There are several points about these Peas worthy of a more extended
notice, and I hope to devote a paper to them ere long. As an early
variety. Alpha must stand Al at the present time. R. D.

UNDER- GARDENERS' DIFFICULTIES.

Sir, — Will you allow me space in your magazine, the ' Gardener,' to say a few
words respecting the young man's difiBculties 1 At page 276 I have read F. W. B.'s
remarks, headed 'A Word to Young Gardeners,' and I think some of F. W. B. 's
remarks are very good ; but he tells us at page 277 that he first started as " crock-

1869.] UNDER-GARDENER'S DIFFICULTIES. 373

boy," his wages being 6s, per week, 2s. of which he paid to the head-gardener and
Is. for lodgings. F. W. B. does not mention if he boarded him, which I shall sup-
pose he did, as he would only have 3s. per week to live upon. How can a head-
gardener take from one that is under him 2s. per week to teach a young man ?
If this were carried out to a great extent, I think it would be one of the worst of
a young man's difficulties that he would have to put up with. F. W. B. tells us
that some people object to a young man paying a premium. I certainly must
hold with that, because I think that if a head-gardener did his duty to a young
man, he certainly would not want a premium from him when he has such low
wages. I have at this present time a young man under me of the age of fifteen,
but I should not take a premium from him ; and my employer would think that
I was not doing my duty if I took from him 2s. per week for what I should call
teaching a young man. It is very true that there are too many of those corae-day-
go-day sort of men, which makes it bad for others ; but I do not see why a young
man cannot take an interest in gardening without paying a premium. To turn
out a young man in the world, and see him get on, I think creditable to the head-
gardener. But if a young man has to pay for it — I should say dearly— I do not
see that he is beholden to the head-gardener. I cannot draw to a close without
thanking the Editor for the many kind hints he has given us these last three
years, and I do hope this magazine will soon be widely known.

Respect for the Under-Gardener.

[We fear the kindness of our correspondent's disposition has led him to take a
one-sided view of this question. He must look at it from a purely commercial
point, and he will see that the apprentice gardener, like every other apprentice,
must in the outset of his career cause a considerable deal of trouble to his
instructor, and that such instruction is to him of substantial value, and that he
ought not to object to pay for it. The apprentice gardener gets off much easier
in this respect than any other we know anything of. In nearly every other trade or
profession high premiums have to be paid, either in cash-down, or, what is the same
thing in the end, unpaid labour, sometimes for two and even four years ; and
well would it be for gardeners as a class if the same regulations were applied in
their case. To have a thorough knowledge of horticulture requires as good
mental powers, as elaborate study and instruction, and as close application as it
does to be a physician ; and who in his senses would ask a medical practitioner
to take a young lad of fifteen and make a doctor of him, give his board and 4s.
per week, and expect no premium from him, while his services in return would
be the washing of bottles or the running of messages for some years ? The real
fact is, that the position gardeners occupy is vastly inferior to what it would
otherwise have been had rigid rules existed to prevent the introduction into their
ranks of men assuming the name of gardener, but having no more right to it
than a working navvy has to call himself a civil engineer. The employers of
gardeners suffer more from this than legitimate gardeners themselves do. They
too often look at the matter thus : They know that a man called a bricklayer can
generally lay bricks, a carpenter can make a door or a window, and a gardener
aught to be able to manage a garden ; and when they meet with one who has
managed to get a high recommendation from some person who is probably no
judge of what a gardener should be, and who is willing to take £40 or £50 a-year,
is it to be wondered at that they object to pay £80 or £100, though in the great
majority of cases they had better have engaged the man at £40 and kept him
idle, and paid a proper gardener in addition ? We are quite aware, while saying
this, that there are many excellent gardeners who, from the force of adverse cir-

374 THE GARDENER. [Aug.

cumstances, are compelled to take little more than labourers' wages. This is the
fruit of allowing every ignorant boy who can get work in a garden to call himself
at the end of three or four years a gardener.

"We have been led into these remarks by an extensive acquaintance with the
evils we have referred to. Ed]

• — *>-s^^e«-<,^fs —

HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS.

Royal Horticultural Society's Great Summer Show, South Kensington,
June 2d and 3d. — This was a grand exhibition. Competent judges were agreed
that it brought together the finest list of plants seen for a long time. But how
can magnificent plants be seen to advantage in these horrible arcades ?

Stove and Greenhouse, Flowering and Fine-foliaged Plants formed one of the
main features of the exhibition, and were well represented in the various classes.
Mr B. Peed, gardener to Mrs Treadwell, Lower Norwood, S., was first for twelve,
with good specimens of Franciscea calycina and confertiflora, Pimelea Hendersoni, a
good Erica Cavendishiana, a beautifully grown and flowered Allamanda grandiflora,
and Ixora coccinea, and Eriostemon buxifolius, in fine condition. jVIr Wilkie, the
Gardens, Oak Lodge, Kensington, was second with Dracophyllum gracile, nicely
flowered, Pimelea mirabilis, a good specimen of Erica depressa, Francisca conferti-
flora, &c. ; and Mr J. Wheeler came third with well-bloomed specimens of Erica Cav-
endishiana, Epacris miniata splendens, Aphelexis rosea, and Darwinia (Genetyllis)
tulipifera, &g. In the nurseryman's class for six, Mr B. S. Williams came first
with a fine Azalea Brilliant, a well-grown well-flowered Boronia pinnata, Pimelea
mirabilis, and a good specimen of Phasnocomo prolifera, &c. ; and Messrs Glen-
dinning & Sons second with Polygala oppositifolia, Eriostemon buxifolius, Aphel-
exis macrantha purpurea, and Stephanotis floribunda, in good condition. The first
for six was taken by Mr J. Ward, with good specimens of Bougainvillea glabra,
Clerodendron Balfourianum, Stephanotis floribunda, Aphelexis macrantha pur-
purea, &c., all grand and well-furnished specimens. Mr Carr, gardener to P. 1j.
Hinds, Esq., was second with fine young vigorous specimens, among themi an ad-
mirable bush of Phoenocoma ; and Mr A. Wright, who had fine specimens of
Pimelea mirabilis, Ixora coccinea, and Dipladenia amabilis, &c., was third. Mr
W. Kemp was placed first for six in 12-inch pots, with tolerable examples of
Leschen aultia formosa, Aphelexis humilis rosea, Erica ventricosa coccinea minor.
Azalea rosea superba, &c. Mr Wilkie came second, and Mr G. Wheeler third, with
plants of a very inferior character. The best specimen stove or greenhouse plant
was an admirably -grown freely-flowered Medinilla magnifica, exhibited by Mr
Wilkie. Messrs J. & C. Lee took the second prize with a monster specimen of
Erica Cavendishiana, and an extra prize was awarded to Messrs Glend inning &
Sons, who had a large and finely-flowered Pimelea spectabilis.

The best nine fine-foliaged plants came from Mr Fairbairn, Syon House Gar-
dens, who had a good specimen of Alocasia metallica, Ficus Porteana, a well-
grown plant; and a similarly healthy - looking Theophrasta imperialis, Cocos
nucifera, very large ; Phoenix farinifera, and a grand Thamnopteris Nidus, &c.
Mr W. Taylor, gardener to J. Yates, Esq., Highgate, was second. In his collec-
tion were well-grown specimens of Rhopala corcovadesis, Curculigo recurvata,
Encephalartos Caffra, Dracaena lineata, and Dion edule ; and Mr Burley, Albert
Nursery, Bayswater, third with a well-grown Aralia Sieboldii variegata, Cham-

1869.] HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. 375

serops Fortune!, a very large, a very good Dracsena indivisa, Dicksonia Antarctica,
Eurya latifolia variegata, &c. For six, the first prize was taken by W. Taylor,
who had admirably-grown specimens of Littsea juncea, Croton variegatum, Cycas
revoluta, &c. Mr Fairbairn was second with Thrinax elegaus, Latania borbonica,
Anthurium acaule, and a well-grown Maranta rosea picta, &c. ; and Mr A. Wright
third, showing amongst his group admirable specimens of Pandanus ornatus, and
Cupania filicifolia, &c.

Ferns wei*e numerously exhibited, and the collections generally were very effec-
tive. For twelve stove or greenhouse varieties, Mr A. Wright was first with
beautifully -grown specimens of Gleichenia semivestita, Brainea insignis, Blechnum
coi'covadense, Adiantum cuneatum, Cibotium Schiedei, &c. Mr W. Taylor was
second with a very effective group, in which Cyathea princeps, Gymnogramma
ochracea, Adiantum formosum, Cyathea meduUaris, Microlepia strigosa, Davallia
bullata, &c., were well-grown examples. Mr J. Carr was first for six, with good
specimens of Alsophila excelsa, Adiantum Farleyense, &c. ; Mr Wilkie second,
showing Lomaria gibba and nuda, Cyathea dealbata, &c. ; and Mr C. Smith, who
had good specimens of Woodwardia radicans and Adiantum cuneatum in his col-
lection, was third. In Hardy Ferns, Messrs Ivery & Son, Dorking, were first
with a group of charming plants, while well-grown plants of Adiantum Capillis-
Veneris, Onoclea sensibilis, Polystichum angulare var. proliferum, &c., were shown
by Mr C. Smith, gardener to C. Walton, Esq., Acton ; and Messrs Salter & Sou
contributed Struthiopteris Pennsylvanica, Osmunda Claytoniana, regalis rubra, and
spectabilis, Lastrea Standishii, &c., in excellent condition. For the best six
Agaves, the first prize was taken by Mr B. S. Williams, who had nicely-fur-
nished specimens of geminiflora, filifera, longifolia, densifolia, Americana medio-
picta, &c.

Twelve varieties of Coleus, in 8-inch pots, was contributed by Messrs Downie,
Laird, & I^aing, who took the first prize with Princess Beatrice, very showy;
Albert Victor, very distinct ; Bausei, Prince Consort, Baroness Rothschild, and
Her Majesty ; and by Mr Turner, who came second, with Princess of Wales, Tel-
fordi, Princess-Royal, Pretender, and Royal Purple, a dark variety, after the style
of Berkeleyi. Messrs E. G. Henderson and Messrs Carter & Co. also exhibited
small though well-coloured plants of the now well-known varieties. These prove
to be very effective plants for exhibition purposes.

New plants were not so numerous as on the last occasion. Messrs Veitch were
first and second for the best six with Thunia Bensonise, Darwinia fimbriata, Mas-
devallia Veitchiana, Nepenthes rubra, Iresine Lindeni, Ansectochilus Dawsoni,
&c. The same firm were also first and second for one new plant shown for the
first time, takiug the first with Begonia Sedeni and the second with Masdevallia
coccinea, to both of which first-class certificates were awarded. For one new
plant not found in commerce, the Messrs Veitch were again placed first and
second with Davallia Moorei and Croton Veitchii, which were also honoured with
first-class certificates.

New Roses were shown in good condition by Mr Turner and Messrs Paul & Son.
In the former's collection Paul Verdier, Souvenir de Monsieur Boll, Horace Ver-
uet, and Princess Mary of Cambridge were in fine order. The best nine came
from Messrs Paul & Son, who had good specimens of Juno, Victor Verdier, La
Reine, Marechal Vaillant, Celine Forestier, &c. For six distinct varieties in 13-
incb pots, Mr Turner took the first prize with well-grown and admirably-flowered
plants of Comtesse de Chabrillant, John Keynes, Souvenir d'un Ami, &c., and Mr
William Paul the second with Catherine Guillot, Lalia, Madame Charles Wood,
Comte de Nanteuil, Auguste Mie, and Madame Clemence Joigneaux.

376 THE GARDENER. [Aug.

Orchids were both numerous and good. In the class for twelve, Mr C. Young,
gardener to W. H. Stone, Esq., M.P., was first with a good specimen of Brassia
verrucosa, with about eighteen well-developed spikes, a nicely-coloured Cattleya
ametbystinn, Aerides Lindleyanum, &c. Mr T. Burnett, gardener to W. Terry,
Esq., Peterborough House, Fulham, came second with Saccolabium prjemorsum,
a good spike ; Lycaste omenta ; a fine plant of Cattleya Mossise; and a very good
Cypripedium barbatum : and Mr B. Peed, gardener to Mrs Tread well, was third,
showing amongst his collection some fine Cypripediums, Epidendrum macro-
chilum, Vandas, Aerides, &c. The first prize in the amateurs' class for six was
taken by Mr J. Ward, gardener to F. G. Wilkins, Esq., who had Cattleya Mossise
and labiata, finely coloured, Vanda suavis, &c. Mr A. Wright, gardener to C. H.
C. Roberts, Esq., came second with Odontoglossum hastilabium, two good spikes,
and Aerides odoratum, Cattleyas, Oncidiums, &c. ; and Mr G. Young, third. The
only collection shown in the nurserymen's class came from Mr B. S. AVilliams,
to whom the first prize was awarded. In his collection were a large specimen
with three fine spikes of Cyrtopodium punctatum, Sobralia macrantha, with
large and beautiful blooms ; a grand specimen of Oncidiutn obryzatum, Odonto-
glossum hastatum, &c. The best single specimen was a well-flowered Cattleya
Mossiae, sent by Mr J. Douglas, gardener to Sir F. H. Waterlow, Highgatc. The
second was Vanda suavis, furnished by Mr Parker of Tooting, and the third a fine
plant of Cypripedium barbatum grandiflorum, from Mr Carson, gardener to W.
E. G. Farmer, Esq., Cheam.

Heaths were indifferent on the whole ; though here and there were a few good
plants mingled with many of poor quality. Azaleas were much worse — large
hideous plants, fit only for firewood. When shall we outlive these horticultural
monstrosities ?

Show Pelargoniums were staged in excellent condition by Messrs Dobson &
Sons, who came first in the class for nine, with Mary Hoyle, Pericles, Beacon,
Caractacus, beautifully grown and flowered to perfection. For six, Mr J. Ward
came first, and Mr D. Windsor second, both contributing finely-grown plants of
the usual show kinds. Messrs Dobson & Sons were again placed first in the class
for six Fancies, with the following : Roi des Fantasies, Annie, Ann Page, God-
frey, Lucy, and Celestial ; second, Mr C. Turner, with small but exquisitely
flowered specimens of the following new kinds : Lady Carrington, Princess Teck —
a perfect gem, a wondrously free-blooming light flower that must for every pur-
pose drive all the rest out of the field — Brightness, Mrs A. Wigan, Fanny Gair,
and Excelsior.

Of fruit there were some fine Peaches and Nectarines, Grapes, Figs, kc. The
best Pine-apple was a well-grown Eoville, weighing seven lb., sent by Mr Ward,
gardener to T, N. Miller, Esq., Bishop's Stortford ; the second, a very good
Queen, about four lb., from Mr Budd, gardener to F. G. Dalgety, Esq. ; and the
third. Black Prince, furnished by Mr Wallis, gardener to J. Dixon, Esq., Astle
Park, Congleton. The first prize for the best dish of black Grapes was taken by
Mr J. Douglas, gardener to F. Whitbourn, Esq., Loxford Hall, Essex, who had
three exceedingly well-finished bunches of Black Hamburg, which was the only
variety shown in this class ; the second was taken by Mr Bannerman, gardener
to Lord Bagot, Blithefield, with small but nicely-coloured bunches ; and Mr
Sage, Ashridge Park Gardens, came third ; while equal fourth prizes were
awarded to Mr Miller, Combe Abbey, and Mr Eadley, Lee, Kent. Mr Miller's
three bunches were large and well filled, but wanting in colour. For the best
dish of White Grapes, Mr J. Douglas again came first with nine bunches of
Buckland Sweetwater in good condition. Mr Miller, Combe Abbey, was second

1869.] HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. 377

with Golden Hamburg, large good-sbaped bunches and good berries, but deficient
iu colour ; and Mr Tegg, gardener to the Duke of Newcastle, Clumber, was third
with fair bunches of White Frontignan. Of Peaches, good dishes of Royal
George were shown by Mr Lynn, gardener to Lord Boston, Hedsor ; Mr Sage,
Ashridge ; and Mr Miller, Combe Abbey. Mr Wilkie had a nice dish of Early
York ; Mr Tillery, the Red Magdalen ; Mr Tegg, Bellegarde ; and Mr Carmichael,
gardener to his Royal Highness the Prince of "Wales, some well-coloured examples
of Stirhng Castle. The first prize was awarded to Mr Lynn, the second to Mr
Sage, and the third to Mr Wilkie. Mr Lynn also came first for Nectarines, with
a very fine dish of Violet Hative ; the second being taken by Mr Miles, gardener
to Lord Carrington, with a good dish of Elruge, which was also shown in fair
condition by Mr Hill, Keele Hall Gardens ; Mr Carmichael, and Mr Gardiner,
gardener to E. P. Shirley, Esq., Eatington Park, Stratford-on-Avon. Good dishes
of Pitmaston Orange, furnished by Mr J. Miller, gardener to Lord Foley ; Hunt's
Tawny, from Mr Tillery, and Bruguon from Mr Tegg, may aUo be mentioned as
deserving of notice. Mr Carmichael took the first prize for the best scarlet-
fleshed Melon with a well-ripened Scarlet Gem ; and Mr Miles the second with
a well-grown Royal Ascot, which latter variety was also sent by Mr Lynn, who
came first in the green-fleshed class with a good-flavoured hybrid Cashmere ; Mr
Miles being second with Victory of Bath. Good examples of Queen Emma and
the Worksop Prize-winner were also contributed — the former by Mr Gilbert,
Burghley Park Gardens, and the latter by Mr Miller, gardener to Lord Foley.
Three boxes only of Str-awberries were shown ; a fine box of British Queen, sent
by Mr J. Douglas, taking the first prize ; Mr Miles coming in second with well-
coloured and good-sized Sir J. Paxton ; and Mr G. Young third with Kimberley.
A dish each of Black Eagle and Elton Cherries were contributed by Mr Miles,
who took the first prize. For the best dish of Figs no first prize was awarded,
the second going to Mr J. Day, gardener to A. Seymour, Esq., Norton Hall,
Daventry, who had White Marseilles ; and the third to Mr Miles, for Brown
Turkey.

In the Miscellaneous Class, the first prize was awarded to Mr Miller, Combe
Abbey, who sent a fine cluster of Musa Cavendishii; the second to Mr Budd,
for some good-sized and beautifully -coloured Tomatos : and the third to Mr H.
Whiting, Battersea Rise, for eight tolerably well fruited pots of Sir C. Napier
Strawberries.

Crystal Palace, Second Great Sbow, June 5. — At this exhibition there was
a large and excellent display of flowering plants, supplemented by an extensive
exhibition of table decorations, which constituted a new and attractive feature.
The day being one of the warmest and most delightful we have had this summer
— in fact, the first real summer-day — the building and grounds were thronged with
visitors.

The collections of stove and greenhouse plants were numerous, some of the
highest merit, and, with a few exceptions, on the whole very good. Many of the
plants had appeared at the Royal Horticultural Society's Show on the previous
AVednesday and Thursday, and our notes, therefore, will be shorter than usual. In
the nui'serymen's class for ten, Mr Williams, of Holloway, was first, and had a fine
specimen of Ph?enocoma prolifera, not yet in full beauty ; Anthurium Scherzeria-
num, with nineteen spathes, and more advancing ; Stephanotis floribuda ; Clero-
dendron Thomsonse, — not, however, showing so much of its crimson corollas as
usual ; Azalea Brilliant; Aphelexis macrantha purpurea; an excellent Dracophyllum
gracile j Pimelea decussata; and the pretty Baronia pinnata. Messrs Jackson &

378 THE GARDENER. [Aug.

Son, Kingston, were second, and had Pimelea Hendersoni in beautiful condition,
though the plant was not so large as some others exhibited, au excellent Erica
ventricosa coccinea minor, Rhynchospermum jasminoides, Genetyllis tulipifera,
and other good specimens. Mr Tanton, of Epsom, who was third, had a beauti-
ful Aphelexis, AUamanda grandiflora, and other well-grown plants. In the corres-
ponding class for amateurs, Mr Peed, gardener to Mrs Tread well, Lower Norwood,
took the first place with a fine collection, the most noticeable plants in which were
AUamanda grandiflora, Eriostemon buxifolium, Aphelexis macrantha purpurea,
finely coloured, Erica Cavendishii, Ixora coccinea, and Franciscea calycina. The
second prize went to Mr Donald, gardener to J. G. Barclay, Esq., Ley ton, who
had the rose-coloured Adenandra fragrans, Stephanotis floribtmda, Rhynchosper-
mum jasminoides, and the showy Dipladenia amabilis. Mr Wiikie, gardener,
Oak Lodge, Kensington, was third, and sent, among others, his fine Medinilla
maguifica, Dracophyllum gracile, Fx-auciscea calycina, and Erica tricolor im-
pressa.

In the amateurs' class for six plants, Mr Ward, gardener to F. G. Wilkins?
Esq., Leyton, was first, with a very fine Aphelexis, Bougainvillea glabra, nearly
4 feet in diameter ; a large Erica Cavendishii ; Dracophyllum gracile, very fine ;
Stephanotis floribunda and Cierodendron Balfourii, both excellent. The second
prize went to Mr Carr, gardener to P. L. Hinds, Esq., Byfleet, who bad a fine
plant of Phsenocoma prolifera Barnesii, the bright-coloured flowers of which were
not so numerous as to give it that effect which it would otherwise have had. In
the same collection there were also good examples of Pimelea spectablis and
Acrophyllum venosum. Mr Kemp, gardener to the Duke of Northumberland,
Albury Park, was third, Mr Wiikie fourth, and an extra prize was awarded to Mr
Peed. In the open class for collections of the same number of plants, the last-
named exhibitor was first, showing a small but finely-bloomed AUamanda grandi-
flora, Ixora coccinea, and Polygala oppositifolia. The second, third, and fourth
prizes went respectively to Mr Wheeler, gardener to J. Phillpot, Esq., Stamford
Hill ; to Mr A. Wright, gardener to C. H. Roberts, Esq. ; and to Mr G. Wheeler,
gardener to Sir F. Goldsmid, Bart., Regent's Park. Mr Kemp, who also ex-
hibited in this class, had Acrophyllum venosum with spikes Q}^, inches long, and
much whiter than those of any plant of the same kind shown, and it only wanted
to be as large as the others to be at least twice as effective.

Mixed collections of fiue-foliaged and flowering stove and greenhouse plants
were neither so numerous nor so effective as at Kensington on the previous Wed-
nesday ; and as pi-izes were not offered for Ferns, there were but few of these.
Mr Carr, who was first for a collection of twelve, had good but not large examples
of Croton angustifolium and variegatum, a well-coloured plant of Dracsena ferrea
picte, Alocasia metaliica, and a prettily-flowered specimen of Erica ventricosa
magnifica. Mr Foreman, gardener to G. Maule, Esq., Denmark Hill, was second,
and sent Anthurium regale and Scherzerianum, Alocasia metaliica, with finely-
coloured leaves, Cissus discolor, and Musssenda frondosa, with its white calycina
leaves freely developed. The first prize for six went to Mr Wright, in whose
collection were the elegant Fern-like Cupania filicifolia, Gleichenia semivestita,
very beautiful ; a fine Croton variegatum, and a good Aphelexis. Mr Donald was
second, Mr Carr third, and Mr Wiikie had an extra prize.

Of Heaths the specimens shown were excellent, especially those of the varieties
of ventricosa and tricolor ; also Eassoniana, Alberti, perspicua nana, elegans,
candidissima, Fairrieana, Caudolleana, florida, Massoni major, and Juliana. The
prizes in the nurserymen's class wei'e taken by Messrs Jackson, Morse, Williams,
and Rhodes ; and in the amateurs' class by Messrs Peed, Ward, Kemp, and J.

1869.] HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. 379

Wheeler. In the open class they were taken by Messrs "Ward, J, Wheeler,
Morse, and Peed.

Orchids were not shown in sucKla-rge numbers as in some previous years, nor
have they been so anywhere this season. Mr Williams was the only exhibitor in
the nurserymen's class for ten, and took a first prize with nearly the same collec-
tion as shown at Kensington. The best collection of eight came from Mr Wilson,
gardener to W. Marshall, Esq., Enfield, and included a fine specimen Cypripedium
caudatum with eight flowers, having petals nearly 2 feet long ; a fine variety of
Cattleya Mossiae, Dendrobium Dalhousieanum, Vanda tricolor, Lselia purpurata,
Eriopsis rutidobulbon, with three spikes a foot long ; and Aerides Lobbii, with
two spikes, which will be very fine when fully developed. Mr Young, gardener
to W. H. Stone, Esq., M. P., was second; Mr Woodward, third; and Mr Peed,
fourth. Mr Woodward had very good examples of Dendrobium densiflorum,
Anguloa Clowesii, and Lycaste aromatica. For six, Mr Wilson was again fii^st
with Odontoglossum Alexandrise with four most beautiful large-flowered spikes ;
Dendrobium densiflorum album, Lselia purpurata, Cattleya Mossire superba,
Vanda suavis, and Cattleya Warneri, all in fine condition. Mr Ward came
second, Mr Wright third, and extra pi-izes were given to Messrs Young, Wood-
ward, and Peed.

In pot Roses, Mr Turner was first in both classes, and his collection of smaller
ones was the theme of universal admiration. It contained well-bloomed plants
of Madame E. Appert, Madame Margottin, Horace Vernet, Miss Ingram, Madame
George Paul, Madame Alice Dureau, Senateur Vaisse, Ptcine du Midi, Monsieur
Woolfield, Madame Furtado, Madame Clemence Joigneaux, Alba Rosea, Monsieur
Nomau, Souvenir d'un Ami, Victor Verdier, President Willermoz, Charles Law-
son, Felix Genero, Mademoiselle Therese Levet, and Enfant d'Ameugny. Messrs
Paul & Son were second with large pots, but did not exhibit in the other class. In
cut Roses, Mr Mitchell was first with fifty Roses, and Mr Turner first for twenty-
four. In the box of the former were some grand blooms of Baroness Rothschild,
Clotilde Rolland, Marechal Niel, Prince de Portia, Mademoiselle Therese Levet,
and Nardy freres (new). Messrs Paul & Son were second, and in their collection
were some good blooms of Duke of Edinburgh, Exposition de Brie, Marechal
Niel, Duchesse de Caylus, Alfred Colomb, &c. ; while Mr Turner's box of twenty-
four contained admirable examples of the following : — Leopold Hausburg, Lselia,
Souvenir de Charles Montault, Abel Grand, Paul Verdier, Duchesse de Caylus,
Souvenir d'un Ami, Madame Boll, Charles Verdier, Oliver Delhomme, Celine
Forestier, Mademoiselle Annie Wood, Gloire de Dijon, Miss Ingram, Antoine
Ducher, Mademoiselle Marguerite Dombrain, Madame Victor Verdier, Niphetos,
Rev. H. H. Dombrain^ La France, Alfred Colomb, Madame Margottin, Marechal
Vaillant.

Pelargoniums and Azaleas were much the same as at previous shows. On either
side of the nave, Messrs Downie, Laird, & Laing, and Jas. Carter & Co., had
arranged choice and valuable groups of plants that did each of these firms the
greatest credit.

Great Rose-Shows, Cbtstal Palace, June 19th ; and Royal Horticultural
Society, June 29th. — Two fine shows, the latter the best — plenty of flowers, and
these generally good; the season duly regarded. Rose exhibitions are always great
successes if the weather be at all favourable ; people will visit a Rose show who
don't care to go to any other. Floreat Begina Florum ! This is how the nursery-
men's prizes were awarded at the Crystal Palace with single trusses of seventy-two
varieties : — Mr Turner took the first place with excellent examples of Leopold Haus-

380 THE GARDENER. [Aug.

burg, Charles Rouillard, Princess Mary of Cambridge, Marie Baumann, Victor Ver-
dier, Madlle. Tiidrcse Levet, Dr Andry, ^Marguerite Dombraio, Gloire de Dijon,
G^odral Jacqueminot, Madame Boll, Madame Vidot, Senateur Vaisse, Monsieur
Boncenne, La France, Jean Ooujon, Madame Willermoz, Triomphe de Caen,
Maurice Bernardin, Horace Vernet, Abel (irand, Felix Genero, quite a rosy-violet
globe; Due de Magenta, yellow; Miss Ingram, Jules Margottin, Prince Camille de
Kohan, very fine ; Mar^chal Niel, splendid ; ]\Iadame Furtado, ]\Iadame Victor
Verdier, Camille Bernardin, Rubens, Gloire de Ducher, very large, but coarse-
looking ; John Hopper, i^xposition de Brie, Lord Raglan, splendid ; General
Castellane, and others. Messrs Paul & Son, who were second, had also a fine
collection, in which the following were noticeable— viz., Souvenir de Monsieur
Boll, Madame Furtado, Maurice Bernardin, Victor Verdier, Madame Charles
Wood, Antoine Ducher, John Hopper, Duke of Edinburgh, a most splendid scar-
let Rose, which was seen in great perfection in other collections, and attracted
much attention ; Francois Treyve, Abel Grand, Madame Rivers, Joseph Fiala,
Xavier Olibo, and others already named. Mr Mitchell of Piltdown, was third ;
Mr Keynes of Salisbury, fourth ; and an extra prize was awarded to Messrs
Francis of Hertford.

The next class was for forty-eights, three trusses, and in it Messrs Paul & Son
were first with a rich display, conspicuous in which were trusses of Duke of Edin-
burgh, Francois Lacharme, Charles Rouillard, Pierre Netting, Exposition de Brie,
Mdlle. Theiese Levet, Vicomtesse de Vezins, Dr Andry, Madame Julie Daran,
Madame Furtado, splendid ; Prince Camille de Rohan, Madame Clemence Joig-
neaux, Michel Bonnet, very bright ; Maurice Bernardin, Victor Verdier, Madame
Rivers, Olivier Delhomme, Antoine Ducher, Achille Gonod. Mr Turner came in
second with Dr Andry, Charles Lefebvre, Madame Charles Crapelet, Camille
Bernardin, Marie Baumann, Jules Margottin, Louise de Savoie, Alfred Colomb,
Paul Verdier, Thorin, Prince Camille de Rohan, Senateur Visse, Lord Raglan,
fine in colour ; Pierre Notting, La France, Exposition de Brie, John Hopper, and
Princess Mary of Cambridge. Mr Keynes, who was third, showed good trusses
of Marguerite de St Amand, and others ; while Mr Mitchell, who was fourth, had
splendid trusses of Mar^chel Niel, which was everywhere good, and Lamarque.

The next class was for twenty-four varieties, three trusses. Here Messrs Paul
& Son took the lead with excellent stands, containing John Hopper, Charles Rouil-
ard, Dr Andry, Madame Rivers, Madame Willermoz, Madame Clemence Joigneaux,
Duke of Edinburgh, splendid ; Prince Camille de Rohan, Madame H. Jacquin,
Madame Charles Wood, Mdlle. Th^rfese Levet, Charles Lefebvre, Marguerite de
St Amand, Victor Vei'dier, splendid ; La France, and Devoniensis. Mr Turner
was second with Miss Ingram, Marie Baumann, Louise de Savoie, very fine ;
Madlle. Therese Appert, Princess Mary of Cambridge, Souvenir de Comte Cavour,
Gloire de Dijon, Voctor Verdier, Charles Lefebvre, and several of those already
named, in excellent condition. Mr Keynes, who was third, had also fine trusses.
At the Royal Horticultural Society's Show the Trade awards were as follows : —

In the class for seventy-two single trasses, Messrs Paul & Son took the first
prize, with a splendid collection, in which the following were especially fine : —
Leopold Hausburg, Marie Baumann, Madame Fillion, Antoine Ducher, Le Rhone,
Mar^chal Vaillant, Prince de Porcia, Pierre Notting, Senateur Vaisse, Jean Cherpin,
Beauty of Waltham, Marie Rady, Centifolia rosea, Xavier Olibo, Duchesse de Cay-
lus, Duke of Edinburgh, Marechal Niel, Monsieur Noman, Madame Furtado, and
La Fontaine. Mr Turner came second, with, amongst others, good examples of
Triomphe de Caen, Maurice Bernardin, Dr Andry, Prince Camille de Rohan, Marie
Baumann Narcisse, Antoine Ducher, G^n^ral Jacqueminot, Souvenir de Comte

1869.] HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. 381

Cavour, Napoldon III., Madame Fillion, Horace Vernet, and Madnme Chas. Wood.
Mr Keynes, who was third, had in his collection fine specimens of Gloire de
Vitry, Lord Macaulay, Fisher Holmes, Comtesse de Chabrillant, General Jacque-
minot, Marie Baumann, Duke of Wellington, Madame Fillion, &c. Messrs Francis
& Co., Hertford, were fourth.

In the class for three trusses of forty-eight varieties, Messrs Paul & Son again
came first with good illusti'ations of well-known kinds, Mr Keynes was second,
Mr Turner third, and Messrs E. P. Francis & Co. were fourth.

In the class for twenty-four Hybrid Perpetuals, three trusses of each, the first
prize was taken by Messrs Paul & Son, who furnished fine trusses of Marguei-ite
de Sb Amand, Beauty of Waltham, Jean Cherpin, Baroness Rothschild, Monsieur
Noman, Senateur Vaisse, Marie Baumann, Madame Rivers, Dr Andry, La France,
Madame Therese, Levet, Marguerite Dombrain, Lord Clyde, Autoine Ducher, &c.
Mr Turner came second with good blooms of Exposition de Brie, Marie Baumann,
President Willermoz, Imperatrice Eugenie, Paul Verdier, Duke of Wellington,
Victor Verdier, Antoine Ducher, Horace Vernet, Monsieur Noman, Madame C.
Joigneaux, John Hopper, and Charles Lefebvre, in this collection ; Mr Keynes
was third, and Mr J. Cranston, Hereford, was fourth ; and to Mr Fraser, Lea
Bridge, an extra prize was awarded. Mr H. Coppin, Shirley, Croydon, also exhib-
ited in this class.

In the class for single trusses of twenty-four varieties the first prize was awarded
to Mr B. R. Cant, Colchester, with, amongst others, admirable blooms of La Ville
de St Denis, Marie Baumann, La Duchesse de Morny, Celine Forestier, Madame
Bravy, Mar^chal Vaillant, Marechal Niel, Xavier Olibo, Baronne de Rothschild,
Madame Willermoz, Le Rhone, Duke of Wellington, Duchesse de Caylus, Madame
Vidot. Mr Keynes was second, Mr Turner stood third, and Mr Cranston, King's
Acre, Hereford, was fourth. Mr H. Coppin, and Mr J. Mann, Brentwood, also
showed fair collections.

In so far as the amateur growers were concerned, they made the best display
at the Royal Horticultural Gardens. At the Crystal Palace the flowers were want-
ing in that fine substance and quality they appeared to have reached at South
Kensington. Alas ! at neither place was there seen this season the patient face
of that prince of amateur Rose-cultivators, Mr J, T. Hedge, Reed Hall, Colches-
ter. It is said he is so severely ill that grave doubts are expressed if he will 3ver
be restored to health. It may be briefly stated that the varieties exhibited by
amateur growers were only repetitions of those flowers that had appeared in the
nurserymen's classes.

The classes for Tea, Noisette, and Moss Roses brought those flowers usually
seen in them. Of the former, the best were Marechal Niel, Devonieusis, Gloire
de Dijon, Celine Forestier, Safrauot, Madame Falcot, Triomphe de Rennes, Cloth-
of-Gold, and Rubens.

Of new Roses, those most to be commended were Baronne Haussmann, Baron-
ess Rothschild, Coquette des Alpes, Duke of Edinburgh, Elie Morel, La France,
Madame Alice Dureau, Madame Marie Cirodde, Madame Noman, Pitord, and
Reiue du Midi.

-— sj-^j^sF^^s -«-«-

382 THE GARDENER. [Aug. 1869.

T. C. P. Q. — Echeveria metallica can be propagated by taking off the lateral
growths and striking them in small pots in sand. They may be placed on the
shelf of a dry stove, and sparingly svipplied with water. By far the easiest acd best
way to increase your stock is to seed one of your plants, and sow the seed next
spring. We saw thousands of this plant in a London nursery recently, all raised
from seed. The plants grow more vigorously, and are more ornamental and
shapely, than plants raised from cuttings. A plant kept in a pot in a greenhouse
will seed more readily than one planted out in the open ground.

G. M. — The Golden Champion Grape Vine grov/s as freely on it's own roots as
any Vine we know. A gentleman who called on us yesterday said he had just
come from Drumlanrig, where he saw a whole house of it that had been planted
this year, and that the Vines had made growths of 30 feet in length, and that he
had never seen such foliage before. We know many other places where it is
growing with equal vigour.

T. M. — Dissolve at the rate of one ounce of soft soap and one gill of tobacco
water to the gallon of pure water, and syringe your Eose-trees with it. Apply
it in the evening, and at 6 o'clock next morning wash them with pure water.
Repeat this several nights in succession.

A. S. — The cold nights and want of rain combined have been the cause of the
running to seed of your Carrots, Turnips, and Beet, and probably you have sown
rather early.

D. W. — We find Shanks's Mowing Machine stands hard work as well as any
we know.

J. D. — The pressure on our space will prevent our being able to publish your
papers, interesting as they are.

THE

GARDENER.

SEPTEMBER 1869.

THE BOSE.

{Continued from page Zi5.)
CHAPTER XIV. HOW TO SHOW IT.

H E N I first exhibited Roses, the boxes selected for the
Queen of Flowers were not what royal boxes ought to be.
They were ordinary and heterogeneous ; they were high
and low, wide and narrow, painted and plain. Disorder
prevailed, as at the Floralia of old ; and Bacchus again appeared upon the
scene in the cases which had contained his wines, and which, reduced
in altitude and filled with dingy moss, now held the glowing Roses.
These were kept alive, auspice yEsciilapio, in old physic-bottles filled
with water, and plunged to the neck in the moss aforesaid ; but some-
times the succulent Potato was used to preserve vitality, and I remem-
ber well a large hamper, with its lid gracefully recumbent, in which
six small Roses uprose from huge specimens of " Farmers' Profit " —
the Pommes de terre being inserted, but not concealed, in a stratum of
ancient hay. Sometimes the flowers were crowded together, sometimes
they were lonely, neighbourless, like the snipes, in " wisps," and soli-
tary ; sometimes they appeared without foliage (at one of our provin-
cial shows it was strictly prohibited, and I asked the committee what
they meant by coming on the ground with whiskers) ; and sometimes
they peeped out of leafy bowers — " plenty of covert, but very little
game," as a witty Lincolnshire lord remarked to the clergyman, who
asked him, one Christmas morning, what he thought of the decorations
of a church in which the evergreens were many and the worshippers
few.

2 c

384 THE GARDENER. [Sept.

At our first National Rose-Show we commenced a reform of these
incongruities, and soon afterward disannulled them by an act of uni-
formity as to size and shape. The amateur must therefore order his
boxes, which any carpenter can make for him from inch deal, to be of
the following dimensions : —

Length. Breadtlu Height.

For 24 Eoses, 4 feet. 1 foot 6 inches. Back of box 6 inches, front 4.
»> ^° »> 3 ,, ,, ,, „

„ 12 „ 2 feet 2 in.
>> 6 ,, 1 foot 6 in. ,,

The covers, being 7 J inches in depth at the back, and 5 inches in front,
4 feet 1 inch in length, 1 foot 7 inches in breadth, and having a nar-
row beading within the four sides, half an inch from the bottom of the
lid, overlap the boxes, leaving ample room for the Roses, and are
secured for travelling by stout leather straps. Within the boxes some
exhibitors have holes j^ierced at equal distances on a uniform surface
of wood ; but as Roses differ in size, it is more convenient to have the
facility of placing them where we please, and for this purpose it is
desirable to have strong laths (3-4ths of an inch in depth, and 1 inch
7-8ths in width) extending the length of the box. These laths should
be six in number, and should be nailed on two strong pieces of wood,
crossing the box one at each end, 2 inches below the surface. The
upper and lower laths should be fixed l-8th of an inch within the box,
and the four remaining so arranged that there will be five interstices
1^ inch in width — three for the Roses, and two merely to reduce the
weight. There will be a space oi 1^ inch between the laths and the
upper edge of the box, to be filled as follows : Cover the laths with
sheets of brown paper, two deep, and cut to fit the box, and upon
these place the best Moss you can obtain. I get mine from trunks of
trees in a neighbouring wood ; have it carefully picked over and well
watered the day before a show ; and then, using the coarser portion for
a substratum, make my upper surface as clean and green and level as
I can.

It would, I think, repay the Rosarian to grow Moss specially for this
purpose, such as would thrive- — S. denticulata, for example — in rough
boxes and waste places, under stages, or in vineries. Some years ago
I placed a lining of zinc, 2 inches deep, at the top of one of my
Hose-boxes, filled it with earth, and soon obtained from it a charming
surface of S. apoda. The effect of twelve beautiful Roses resting upon
this bright-green moss was lovely ; but oh the weight when we bore
them to the show ! no mother in all the world would care to carry such
a bulky babe.

1869.]

THE ROSE.

385

A wee story about Moss, and we leave it. I remember an exhibitor,
of whom it was said that he was never known to pay a compliment,
or to praise anything which did not belong to himself, except upon one
occasion. Having won the first prize for Roses, he went in the joy of
his heart to his chief rival, and, surveying his collection, deliberately
and frankly said, " Well, John, I must acknowledge you certainly beat
us — in Moss." As well might some victorious jockey compliment the
rider of a distanced horse upon the plaiting of that horse's mane. It
was a panygeric as glorious as that which Artemus Ward paid to his
company, composed exclusively of commanders-in-chief, "What we
particly excel in is resting muskits — we can rest muskits with any-
body."

The Roses are placed in tubes of zinc 4J inches in length, 2 inches
wide at the top, gradually tapering until they become 1 inch in width
at the centre ; the tops being moveable,
as shown herewith. This top is taken
off, and the stalk of the flower being
brought through until the Rose is held
securely, it is replaced upon the tubes,
previously filled with pure rain-water.
These tubes not only facilitate the
arrangement of the flower, but they re-
tain the water when rough railway port-
ers forget their gradients. They may be
had from the brazier and tinman every
where, and they cost l^d. apiece.

The carelessness of porters reminds me to add, that exhibitors who
cannot accompany their Roses — a terrible separation to the true lover,
and one which I have never known — will do well to have painted in
white letters upon the dark-green lids of their boxes, " Flowers in
water — keep level."

The amateur must now have the cards in readiness, on which he has
written with his best pen the names of his show-Roses. These are cut
from the ordinary cardboard, and must be of the regulation size — 3 inches
in length by 1 in width. They should be kept in a box, divided into
compartments and lettered, so that they may be quickly found when
wanted. They are placed sometimes on the moss in front of the Rose,
but they have a more neat and uniform appearance if inserted on sticks
about 5 inches long (I use osier-twigs painted green), cleft at the top
to receive them, and pointed at the bottom to penetrate the Moss more
easily.

The young knight will not be armed cap-a-pie until he has supplied
himself with a couple of helmets. If the weather is showery, or the

386

THE GARDENER.

[Sept.

sun scorches, just before a show, many Roses may be advantageously
shaded by having a zinc cap placed over them 8 inches in diameter,
5 inches in depth, ventilated, and having a socket attached, which
may be moved up and down a stake fixed by the Rose-tree until the
cap is secured in its position by a wooden wedge inserted between
socket and stake, as under. Roses of a more delicate complexion than

others — such as Mesdames Vidot
and Rivers, the two Louises
Magnan and Pejronney, Miss
Ingram and Monsieur Noman — •
and some whose vivid colouring
is quickly tarnished by fiery suns
— such as the brilliant Monsieur
Boncenne — may be thus preserv-
ed for exhibition. Fresh Cabbage-
leaves, renewed from time to
time, may be advantageously
placed on the caps, which, I may
add, have a more pleasing appear-
ance in the rosarium when paint-
ed a dark-green colour.
Helmet No. 2 resembles No. 1, except that the top is made of
glass and is flat. This is used to accelerate the opening of Roses,
and sometimes with success ; but generally I have found that nature
will not be hurried, and the Rose has been more refractory than the
heat.

In using these caps — and their use, be it remembered, is exceptional
— ^the amateur must be on his guard against placing them too near the
Rose, lest, when moved by the wind, the petals should be injured by
trituration. And not only in this instance, but in all, he must so
watch his trees as to prevent all risk of that contact and chafing which
quickly ruins the Rose. Watching the flower as it sways to and fro
in the summer breeze, he must remove all leaves and shoots which,
touching it, would mar its beauty.

Watchful ever, our young knight must keep his stricter vigil upon
the battle's eve. He must know that all is in readiness, the extent of
his resources, and how he is to apply them. The day before a show,
I have not only the names of my best Roses noted in my pocket-book,
but, dividing a sheet of paper into 48, 36, 24, 12, or 6 spaces, I
place each Rose in the position which it will probably occupy on the
morrow, and set my forces in battle array. Here is an example, copied
literatim : —

i869.]

THE ROSE.
12 Roses.

387

Lefebvre.

Niel.

Due de Rohan.

Vidot.

Furtado.

Beauman.

Devoniensis.

Colomb.

P. Netting.

M. Bravy.

Ex. de Brie.

De Rennes.

Your beautiful tlioroughbreds may not all come to the post, they
may not run in the order in which you have placed them — that is, some
of your Roses may be too much expanded when you come to cut them,
or may not be in size or in colour exactly suitable for the position
assigned to them; but you will find, notwithstanding, very great assist-
ance from such a plan as that proposed to you ; and when you have
gained by observation a knowledge of the development and duration of
your Roses, you will meet with few disappointments in its realisation.

On the eve of the show you must have all your boxes surfaced with
Moss, and sprinkled, set out upon trestles, 3 feet from the ground, in
some sheltered corner or garden-shed ; your zinc tubes, in rows upon
their miniature bottle-rack, cheaply made, and having a strong resem-
blance to the stands on which Boots deposes our fat portmanteau,
heaving a thankful sigh ; and upon a small table your box, containing
plans of arrangement, cards with names of Roses written upon them,
sticks to hold them, a pair of sharp pruning-scissors with which to cut
your flowers, a pair of small finely-pointed ditto, with which you may
sometimes remove the decayed edge from a petal, and a piece of narrow
ivory rounded at the end, such as ladies use for a knitting-mesh, and
which, very carefully and delicately handled, may help you now and
then to assist the opening Rose, or to reduce irregularities of growth
to a more natural, and therefore graceful, combination ; add a small
hamper of additional Moss, and the dressing-room is ready for the
royal toilet.

WJien should we cut our Roses? The nurseryman who exhibits
144 Roses in one collection — that is, 3 specimens of 48 varieties — and
sometimes simultaneously a collection of 72 distinct blooms, conveying
them great distances, is obliged to cut on the day preceding the shows,
and having acres of young trees to select from, can generally find Roses
of such calibre as will insure to him a continuance of perfect beauty
for the next four-and- twenty hours ; but I strongly advise the amateur,
who has no such wealth of material, and must make the most of his
limited means, to cut his Roses, whenever he has the option, upon the

388 THE GARDENER. [Sept.

morning of the show. If the weather is broken, and clouds without
and barometer within warn you of impending rain, then gather ye
Eoses while ye may, in the afternoon and the evening before the show;
but if it is

**In the prime of summer-time,
An evening calm and cool,"

let your Roses rest after the heat of the day, and cut them on the
morrow, when they awake with the sun, refreshed with gracious dews.

Wherefore, early to your bed, my amateur, your bed of Roses and of
Thorns ; for as surely as the schoolboy who, having received a cake
from home, takes with him a last slice to his cubicule, awakes in feverish
repletion, turning painfully upon the crusty crumbs, so shall this night
of yours be fraught with pleasure and with pain. Now shall you taste
daintily the candied peels, and now toss fretfully on piercing grits.
Now you shall sleep, and all shall be serene, blissful. You are dream-
ing, so sweetly dreaming, the happy hours away. The great day has
come,

"A happier smile illumes each brow,

With quicker spread each heart uncloses ;
And all is happiness, for now

The valley holds its feast of Roses."

Your own are magnificent, larger than those which bloom in Man-
chester chintz above your slumbering brow, 9 inches in diameter.
You reach the show ; you win every prize, laurels enough to make
triumphal arches along all your homeward way. Suddenly a change,
a horrible change, comes o'er the spirit of your dream. How the van,
in which you are travelling with your Roses, jumps and jolts ! how
dark the night, and how the thunder rolls ! Ah, tout est perdu I
Crash fall the horses, or rather the nightmares, down a steep incline,
and you find yourself standing, aghast and hopeless, knee-deep in xoot-
pourri !

Awaking, for the sixteenth time, with a terrible impression that you
have overslept yourself, and that the time for cutting Roses is past,
you are comforted in hearing the clock strike two. Another restless
hour, and you are up in the grey dawn. At 3.30 you should be among
the Roses, never so lovely as now, lifting their heads for the first kisses
of the sun, and, alas ! for decapitation. See, your gardener is there,
keen as yourself. He fills a score of the tubes with pure sweet rain-
water ; he places them in one of your spare boxes, and is ready to
follow, when, having glanced at your programmes, and armed yourself
with the trenchant blades, you lead the way to glory and the Roses.

Cut first of all your grandest blooms, because no Mede nor Persian

1869.] THE ROSE. • 389

ever made law more unalterable than this, The largest Roses must he
Xolaced at the hack, the smallest in the front, and the intermediate in
the middle of your hoxes. They become by this arrangement so gra-
dually beautifully less that the disparity of size is imperceptible.
Transgress this rule, and the result will be disastrous, ludicrous, as
when some huge London carriage-horse is put in harness with the
paternal cob, or as when some small but ambitious dancer runs round
and round the tallest girl at the ball in the gyrations of the mazy
waltz. So Triomphe de Rennes in your front row is a beautiful yellow
Rose. Placed in juxtaposition to Marechal Niel, its name becomes a
cruel joke -, your little gem is lost beside the Koh-i-noor, and your
bright star pales before the rising sun its ineffectual fire.

You will have another advantage in commencing with your finest
flowers, because of these you will have (or ought to have) the larger
stock, and will thus be able to lay at the same time and in the same
order the foundation of your different collections, using the same
corner-stone in each (begin always with some glorious Rose, which
must attract the judicial eye, and make an impression upon the judicial
heart), and assimilating the arrangement, as long as you possess the
material. Much labour, head work and leg work, is saved by this plan
of simultaneous structure.

The amateur must not exhibit these larger Roses when they have
lost their freshness of colour, or when the petals, opening at the
centre, reveal the yellow " eye." He must not place a Rose in his
box because it has heen superlatively beautiful. In the eyes of her
husband, the wife a matron should be lovely as the wife a bride ;
but the world never saw her in her Honiton veil, and respectfully
votes her a trifle passee. At the same time, let not the exhibitor
be over-timid, nor discard a Rose which has reached the summit of
perfection, and may descend he knows not when, but let him bravely
and hopefully set it among its peers. If it suffers from the journey,
it must be replaced, of course, from the box of spare bloom.s, which
every exhibitor takes with him ; but if it holds its own, let it remain,
though you are still anxious concerning it. If it is really a Rose of
superior merit, nothing can now happen which will prevent a righteous
Rosarian, such as every judge ought to be, from recognising its claims.
I once saw, and the recollection makes me shudder still, a senseless
censor thrust the end of a huge finger into the heart of a magnificent
Due de Rohan, in his anxiety to assure us, his coadjutors, that the
Rose was too fully blown. Oh how I wished that the Due, to whom
■we voted by a majority the highest marks, had been armed for the
moment with a ferret's teeth !

The arrangement of Roses, with regard to their colour, has not

390 THE GARDENER. [Sept.

been studied as it deserves to be. "With some few exceptions, tbe
nurserymen are not successful in this matter ; but it is very difficult
for them to find the time, granting the taste to be there, for a minute
assortment of the large collections which they are called upon to show ;
and knowing that the awards will be made upon the merits and de-
merits of the individual flowers, they are not solicitous about minor
details. The amateur, with more leisure than the man of business
for the study of the beautiful, and for the most effective display of his
fewer flowers, ought to excel, but, as a rule, does not. His Roses are
very rarely made the most of in this respect, but are frequently marred
and spoiled, the colours clashing and contending with each other, in-
stead of combining against their common adversary. It is told of a
highly sensitive dame, whose silly pride was in dress, that she went
into hysterics before a large party when her great rival in millinery
came and sat upon the ottoman beside her, in a grand garment of the
same colour as her own, but of a much more brilliant and efi'ective
dye ; and I have seen many a Rose which would weep, if it could,
aromatic rose-water, subdued by a like despair. Whereas every flower
should be so placed as to enhance its neighbours' charms — the fair
blonde with her golden locks smiling upon the brunette with her
raven hair, each made by the contrast lovelier. Once upon a time six
pretty sisters lived at home together always. In looks, in figure, in
voice, gait, and apparel, they exactly resembled each other. Young
gentlemen, seeing them apart, fell madly in love, as young gentlemen
ought to do ; but on going to the house, and being introduced to the
family, they were bewildered by the exact similitude, didn't know
which they had come to see, couldn't think of proposing at random,
made blunders, apologies, retreats. It seemed as though all these
charming flowers would be left to " wither on the virgin Thorn," when
one of them was permitted to leave her home upon a visit to a distant
friend. She returned in six weeks, hien fiancee, and six months after
was a bride. The rest followed her example. So it is that six
scarlet Roses or six pink Roses in close proximity perplex the specta-
tor, and depreciate each other by their monotonous identity ; isolated
or contrasted, we admire them heartily.

Nor let the exhibitor, amateur or professional, suppose that these
matters are of no importance. It is true that priority is won by the
superior merits of the Roses, carefully examined and compared ; but
in cases where these merits are equal, then the best arrangement as to
form and colour will certainly influence, and probably determine, the
verdict. I can recall several instances in which, cceteris paribus, taste-
ful arrangement has given the victory. The material for operation has
been equally good ; tlie modus oioerandi has been the point of excel-

1869.] THE ROSE. 391

lence — the artistic eifort of the more accomplished horseman has saved
him from a dead heat.

Time was when the exhibitor had good excuse for the introduction
of flowers faulty in shape and too much alike in colour. Time was
(and I recall it happily, for we vexed not ourselves about that which
might be, but delighted our hearts in that which we had) when our
dark Roses, such as Boula de Nanteuil, D'Aguesseau, Ohl, and Shake-
speare— our pink Roses, such as Comtesse Mole and Las Casas — our
white Roses, such as Madame Hardy — were painfully wide awake when
they reached the show, and our collection had "eyes" like Argus.
We are dismayed now if a Cyclops shows himself, even in our " 48."
A marvellous development and progress has been made both in the
form and complexion of the Rose, and every season brings us new
treasures. See what we have gained in the last few years — to the
darker varieties we have added such Roses as Alfred Colomb, Charles
Lefebvre, Duchesse de Caylus, Due de Rohan, Exposition de Brie,
Leopold L, Marie Beauman ; and to the lighter, Madame Therese
Levet, Marguerite de St Armand, La Baronne de Rothschild, La France,
Miss Ingram, Reine Blanche, and many others. Time was when the
only yellow Roses exhibited (Cloth-of-Gold was in existence, but lived
in strict seclusion) were Solfaterre, with very little yellow and still
less shape j Persian Yellow, in hue golden, glorious, but in size a big
Buttercup ; and sometimes a bud of Smith's Yellow, which no power
on earth could induce to open, a pretty button-hole flower. Now we
have Celine Forestier, Triomphe de Rennes, and magnificent Marechal
Kiel ! Fancy Smith's Yellow in a modern collection — Tom Thumb on
parade with the Guards !

The names which I have just written remind me how much the Tea
and Noisette Roses diversify and beautify our show collections. That
the former are delicate and difficult to produce when we most require
them, is evident from their sparse appearance in public ; but it is just
one of those superable difficulties which separate the sincere from the
spurious Rose-grower, and which only the former overcomes. The
conservatory and the orchard-house (there ought to be, wherever
there is taste and opulence, a Rose-house) are undoubtedly the best
homes for the Tea Rose ; but in this more genial temperature it
blooms long before the showman's opening day ; and I have seen houses
containing many hundred plants which have not contributed to the
exhibitor a single flower. I have tried with these Roses many experi-
ments, in pots and out, al fresco, under glass, under canvas (moveable),
on their own roots, on the Manetti, and on the Brier. The latter has
been in this, as in all other cases, my best ally and friend. Timid
brethren forewarned me that the winter would kill every bud, and

392 THE GARDENER. [Sept.

timid brethren tittered merrily when a frost of abnormal vigour
destroyed three-fourths of my first adventurers. I persevered, of
course. If a fourth withstood an unusual severity, I might rely in
ordinary seasons upon complete success. Defeat, moreover, and the
derision of my friends, evoked a noble rage, a more determined energy.
In my youth I heard a professor remark at Oxford (he styled himself
professor and teacher of the noble art of self-defence, but the condition
of his nose was more suggestive to me of one who was taking lessons)
that '' he never could fight until he'd napped a clinker." Then

" His grief was but his grandeur in disguise,
And discontent his immortality."

So felt I, and so fought and conquered ; and I advise the amateur with
a good courage to bud those Tea Eoses which are mentioned on the
list for exhibition. They survive nine winters out of ten, here in the
midland counties, and although they will not bloom early in their first
season, they will do so in the autumn, and in the summer following
will be in time for the shows. Let some of them remain where they
are, some be removed to warm corners and to positions least exposed
to rough weather, and let some, where there is accommodation, he placed
against a ivall. Upon your house, between fruit-trees, wherever you
have a vacant mural space, there put in a Tea Rose. The most re-
liable varieties among the hardier Teas are Adam, Comte de Paris,
Devoniensis, Climbing Devoniensis, Gloire de Dijon, Louise de Savoie,
Madame Bravy, Madame Rachel, Madame Willermorz, Rubens, and
Souvenir d'un Ami. Reine du Portugal, a beautiful yellow Rose, is
promising, but " not proven." These Tea Rose-trees should not be
pruned before April, and then sparingly.

Set up your Roses boldly, with the tubes well above the Moss, and
keep a uniform height. Most of the show varieties will hold them-
selves erect and upright, but some are of drooping habit, and their
spinal weakness requires the support either of a thin slip of wood or
twig secured with thread to the stalk, or of moss pressed firmly round
them after they have been placed in the tube. Turn your Rose slowly
round before you finally fix it, so that you may present it in its most
attractive phase to the censor. I have seen Roses looking anywhere
but at the judge, as though they had no hopes of mercy.

Do not be induced to admit a Rose only because it is new, or be-
cause it has some one point of excellence, being defective in others —
e.g., a Rose ill-formed because it is brilliant in colour, or a dull coarse
bloom on account of its size. The judge will be down upon that in-
valid swiftly and surely, as a fox upon a sick partridge.

Nor place two Roses together which are both deficient in foliage.

.1869.] THE ROSE. .393.

Give to eacli of them the rather a neighbour like Madame Boll, whose
abundant and flowing curls may partially conceal their baldness. But
add no leaves, though the temptation be great, because that same judge
is quick as a barber to distinguish between natural and artificial hair,
and there may be " wigs on the green" — i.e., you may find your sur-
reptitious foliage lying upon the Moss, and a card, with " Disqualified "
written upon it, staring you in the face.

Step back from time to time, as the artist from his easel, to criticise
your picture, and try to improve it. And when you have finished
it, invite others to give their opinions freely. Try to ascertain
which Roses they like the least, rather than to feast your ears with
their exclamations of praise. You will obtain help sometimes where
you least expect it, and your attention will be called to defects which
you had overlooked in a kind of parental fondness. Spectators, un-
prejudiced and not akin, can readily point out infirmities in the
families of other folks. They do not pronounce, as you do, the red
hair of your dear little Augustus a soft chestnut or a rich auburn j they
have been known, on the contrary, to murmur "Carrots."

Have the sticks which hold the cards which tell the name of your
Eoses in their places before you put on the lids. If you are showing
in the larger classes, it is wise to make this arrangement when you
insert the flowers ; otherwise, forgetting names, you may run a risk of
including duplicates. Moreover, you will find the process of naming
your Roses after your arrival at the show a tedious occupation of
time which might be much more advantageously occupied.

Have your lids on before the sun is high, and be on the show-
ground as early as you can. You will thus have the advantage of
selecting a good place for your boxes, not exposed to draught or to
glare ; of replacing from your spare blooms those Roses which have
suffered from the voyage ; of setting each flower and each card in its
position ; of filling up the tubes with fresh water; and of making the
best of your Roses generally, leisurely, and at your ease.

This done, you may put back your lids, just raising them at the
front a couple of inches with wooden props ; and then you may survey
(as I propose to do in my final chapter) the exhibitors, the judges,
and the Rose-show itself.

S. Reynolds Hole.

— s->^^fjfe«^t.«-~

394 THE GARDENER. [Sept.

THE CULTIVATION OF HAKDY FRUITS.

THE APPLE.
{Continued from page 357.)
There is a parasitic Lichen wliich often proves very injurious to fruit-
trees in old orchards. It is generally of a lightish-grey colour, and
when fully established upon the tree, gives it rather a grand and im-
posing appearance, especially in winter, when the foliage has departed
from the branches. I know of no writer who describes its general
appearance so graphically, yet so truly, as Longfellow, in the introduc-
tion to his beautiful poem of "Evangeline," when, speaking of the
primeval forests of Acadie, now Nova Scotia, he says —

** This is forest primeval. The murmuring pines and the hemlocks,
Bearded with moss, and in garments green, indistinct in the twilight,
Stand like Druids of old, with voices sad and prophetic,
Stand like harpers hoar, with beard that rests on their bosoms. "

It generally makes its appearance upon the trunk of the tree, from
whence it gradually spreads itself until every branch thereon becomes
hoary and grey by it, unless means be taken to destroy it. It will also
be observed that the portion of the tree which is most exposed to the
storm will be the first to suffer thereby ; and even although the whole
tree have less or more of it, the side to the storm will most abound.
This Lichen belongs to one of the five classes into which they have been
divided ; viz., the Homothalami, which means that the apothecia or
receptacle is altogether formed of, and is the same colour as, the thallus
or frond. This class is subdivided into many varieties, but the one to
which I refer is an Usneas, but what one I have some difficulty in
determining.

The Lichen belongs to the lowest and most simple form of vegetation,
the Fungi tribe alone excepted. Some writers appear to think that this
parasite does little or no injury to the tree upon which it grows. Of
this, however, I am very sceptical ; at all events, it is not to be found
upon a young healthy tree, so that if it really does not do harm, it cer-
tainly is an indication of want of health in the tree. " Lichens," one
writer tells us, " exist exclusively on atmospheric supplies, requiring
only air, sunlight, and some degree of moisture for their support."
This no doubt is certainly true, but the atmosphere in a season of pro-
tracted drought certainly cannot supply that "degree of moisture
necessary for their support" without the aid of the tree. Let the
season of drought be ever so protracted, it will be noticed upon the
raising of a portion of this parasite from the branch of the tree that a
certain amount of moisture lies underneath. Let us therefore take into
consideration the dryness of the atmosphere, the burning rays of the
sun, and the thinness and the permeability of the Lichen, and what other

1869.] CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS. 395

conclusion can we arrive at regarding the moisture to be found beneath
it, than that it has been derived from the branch upon which it lodges ]
It matters not how much horticulturists be divided in opinion regard-
ing its effects upon fruit-trees, all are at one that it should not be there.
It consists of a dry scaly crust having neither roots, stems, nor branches,
yet nevertheless attaches itself with great pertinacity to the seat of its
existence. It extends itself over the branch by a multiplication of its
thalli, which are of a curled appearance, resembling leaves, and performing
the same functions. Being a cryptogamous plant, it bears no flowers,
but around the edges of the thalus it abounds in spore-cases, which are
either growing from or imbedded in its surface. Although in some
cases the Lichen does not spread very rapidly, yet in others it does so
with amazing rapidity. This altogether depends upon the state of
health enjoyed by the tree. If the tree should be in a very delicate
state of health, the spread will be all the more rapid, as these spores
when ripe get shifted by the wind from the parent plant to other por-
tions of the tree, there in due course of time to become independent
plants. Laying aside altogether the fact whether or not the presence
of this Lichen is injurious to the tree by draining its life-blood out to
support the parasite, there is the undeniable fact that its presence pre-
vents to a greater or less extent the free admission of light and air, as
well as that due amount of respiration which is so necessary for the
health and wellbeing of the tree. It is a well-ascertained fact, that
wherever a tree is attacked its usual vigour is soon diminished, the
growths become more weakly year by year, and in the end the growth
comes almost to a stand. Not only is this the fact, but as a natural
consequence the fruit becomes less in quantity, smaller in size, often
deformed in shape, and always of an inferior flavour. It is therefore
the interest of the cultivator to ascertain the cause of its presence, so
as to be able in his future management to obviate further injury from
it, and endeavour as far as possible to find out a remedy for those
already suffering.

I have failed to find that any of our leading horticultural writers
have given any attention to this enemy of fruit cultivators. Many and
various are the private reasons I have heard assigned for its presence,
many of them very plausible, some of them very absurd. The conclu-
sion which, from observation, we have arrived at concerning it is, that
trees under good management and in a healthy state always escape ;
whereas trees, especially old trees in bad health, are always attacked.
Now what has been said in former papers regarding the keeping
of a tree in health, must at once force upon the reader the reasons
which we assign for its presence. A cold and wet soil or subsoil, into
which the roots have penetrated, and which provides food wholly un-

396 THE GARDENER. [Sept.

suited for the tree, is the root and origin of this evil as well as canker.
And did the fact never strike the cultivator, that where the one was
present the other is seldom if ever absent? The fact is, in all our experi-
ence, and that of several other gardeners to whom we have spoken upon
the subject, the one is the handmaid of the other. If this be the
fact, and there is little doubt of it, what will be a cure for the one will
also be a cure for the other. It matters not how much two diseases
may be at variance in their general aspects ; if to the same causes the
two are to be attributed, then the same means will be sure to cure
both. To cure any disease, or to counteract any effect, we must
work in direct antagonism to the causing force or power. The first
duty, therefore, of the cultivator, is to have recourse to thorough
drainage, so that no superabundance of moisture may lodge about the
roots. Thereafter let him raise and examine his trees in the manner
already directed in a former paper, having them thereafter replanted
in soil more congenial to their wellbeing ; after which, let all the
Lichens be thoroughly scraped off with a blunt-edged instrument of
some sort, or, what is better, on a wet day or dewy morning in winter,
when the tree is at rest and devoid of leaves, let a quantity of lime
(quicklime) be procured, which may be thrown with a shovel up
through the tree until a thorough coating be obtained all over, and the
result will be that in a short space of time all the Lichens will be re-
moved from the trees. This is the more speedy way of getting clear
of the enemy, but it is not absolutely necessary, for as a rule the fresh
vigour which will be thrown into the tree by root-pruning, &c., will
have the effect of throwing off the old bark as well as the Lichens.
There are various other Lichens and Mosses which attack fruit-trees,
but the one already described is the most formidable and best known.
I have therefore selected it for illustration, but may add that the cause
and cure in every case are exactly the same.

I have dwelt at much greater length upon this portion of my subject
than at first I had anticipated ; my reason for doing so is, that it is a point
in fruit cultivation which has received little attention, and, so far as I
am aware, has never been discussed by any of our horticultural writers.
Having thus disposed of the diseases to which the Apple is subject
in this country, I would now draw the attention of the reader to some
of the more formidable of the insect enemies with which we have to
contend. First of all we would notice the American blight, or woolly
bug, as it is commonly called. Various entomologists have given it
various appellations, but it is generally known to scientific students
as Aphis lanigera, which is the name given it by Linnaeus, the
Swedish botanist. Its common name would indicate that it was an im-
portation from America, but this is universally denied by all American

1869.] CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS. 397

writers upon tlie subject. Mr MTntosh in his Booh of the Garden
says " that this insect appears indigenous rather to France and the
north of Germany than to America, from which country it has been
erroneously supposed to have reached us." Be this as it may, it is the
most destructive of all the insects which attack the Apple, and is at
the same time by far the worst to thoroughly eradicate. Not only
does it feed upon and destroy the wood of the tree in summer, but in
winter it descends to feed upon and destroy the roots. In early
summer it may easily be detected upon the wood of several years'
growth, as well as the stem and stronger branches, by its white woolly-
like appearance. When it attacks the wood of two or three years of
age, it often perforates the bark and raises little excrescences about the
size of a large pea, which, when broken, appear to contain thousands of
eggs or little insects. If not attended to, the tree will soon lose
vigour, and ultimately succumb to the evil power of its little enemy.
Different authors recommend different cures — as, for instance, Mr
M'Intosh recommends first " the washing of the parts affected by a
solution of sulphuric acid, in proportions of f oz. by measure to 7 J oz.
of water, applying the liquid with a piece of sponge tied to a piece of
stick, or by a small soft painter's brush." Or again he recommends
*' spirits of turpentine, strong whisky or gin, applied to the patches
infected." On the other hand, Mr Thomson recommends " scrubbing
with soap-suds, and then painting with lime-water or washing with
tobacco-water, soap-lees, vinegar or sulphuric acid diluted with water,
as weU as painting with clay." Any or all of these may prove a
thorough antidote, but from experience I cannot speak of them. I
can, however, recommend a cure which I have every confidence in, and
which from experience I can recommend as thoroughly effective. To
Mr Rose, gardener to her Majesty, I am indebted for the receipt ; and
I trust I may not break confidence with him in thus giving to our
professional brethren, what I have not the slightest doubt is one of
the best, if not the best, cure extant for the bug. To one part of spirits
of tar, one part turpentine, must be added two parts of train-oil, which
must be well mixed, and have added either soot or clay to give it con-
sistence. Let this be applied to the parts affected, and to them only,
with a painter's brush, rubbing it well in. By going over the trees
thus three or four times during the course of the season, the likelihood
will be that the whole colony will be extirpated, at all events the second
year will be sure to do it. It may be as well, however, in winter, to
remove the soil for a few inches deep around all trees affected, so that,
should any have escaped detection in summer, they may have a chance
of being entirely removed in winter. James M 'Mill an.

{To he continued.)

398 THE GARDENER. [Sept.

PKOPERTIES OF FRUIT, &c. — FRUIT- JUDGING.

There seems at the present time nothing less understood by a great
number of practical gardeners than the properties of fruits. Seldom
do we visit a show, but we find the opinions of exhibitors and others
as varied as the articles on the exhibition tables. The standards by
which the decisions are given change almost as often as fresh judges
are brought into the field. "We had proof strong enough last year,
when Grape-judging was so freely discussed, that there seemed to be
no real standard by which their merits were decided. That question,
I believe, still remains open; and while it does so, can we be surprised
at the rise and fall of Horticultural Societies? It is impossible that
they can have that support by growers to which they are entitled. If
a young exhibitor, for the first time, brings for competition fruit
which both his employer and himself believe to be of the best quality
(all the necessary points having been duly considered), and finds the
censors give their verdict in favour of fruit which said exhibitor
would consider unfit for his employer's table, he would begin to in-
quire by what " points " they decided ? A bitter pill would of course
have to be swallowed, with a resolve to make up his mind next time
to exhibit by the standard of what he might consider to be that of the
society. But " many men, many minds." A change of judges gives a
change of " points," and the second case is as unfortunate as the first,
as then genuine quality, perhaps, would be considered and under-
stood, and a verdict given accordingly. If the standard of quality had
been adhered to in the first case as it was in the second, the hopeful
exhibitor would probably have become a successful competitor and
warm supporter of the society, instead of withdrawing his name from
the list of members in disgust. From such facts (and many of them
have come under my notice of late years) it is not to be wondered at
that complaints are made about so few entering as competitors for
such tempting prizes as are ofi'ered by some of the great societies.
We read in a contemporary that many of the articles at the great show
held in Manchester were barely a competition, but the prizes for them
were taken almost without opposition. People in the country must
know what they should take, and what to leave at home, before they
spend money and time exhibiting. What is wanted would be a
proper standard, which would meet the wants of all the societies in
the country. The properties of fruits and vegetables in print, and re-
cognised by the leading authority as being correct, would be one of
the most valuable additions to our garden literature extant. Glenny's
work on the properties of flowers is universally recognised by our most
enthusiastic amateurs as being a safe guide, and it is most exten-

1869.] PROPERTIES OF FRUIT. 399

sively used ttrougliout the country; indeed, some societies have a mar-
gin in their schedules giving the points for each article ; and the
satisfaction this gives is most astounding.

The tasting of Grapes is a rock which many growers have split
upon. Though we go in for good flavour as being of primary import-
ance when judging, at the same time we would like to be certain that
the censors know what good flavour is ; and on no account would we
submit to having men whose palates were continually saturated with
tobacco juice, as we have frequently known to be the case, and the
" chew " had to be pulled out to admit the fruit. With such palates
the Duchess of Buccleuch and Muscat would be brought down to the
level of Trebbianos and Black Prince, and vice versa. Sweetness
alone with Grapes (although the flesh was of a raisin texture) is all
that is required by some censors, and they decide accordingly. If
proprietors could believe in this standard, there would be few Grapes
home grown (comparatively), as raisins could be bought from 8d. to Is.
per pound, instead of being at the expense of forcing them under
glass. Besides sweetness there should be vinous juice, melting pulp,
small stones, and thin skin, and an absence of disagreeable acid.
Shrivelled dry berries should be shown no quarter any more than bad
colour and loose stringy bunches. Mostly every fruit and vegetable
has to meet the same difficulty at exhibitions as Grapes, and thus
we often see vegetables judged by a standard which would not entitle
them to a place on the dinner-table. The points which decide a good
Cucumber are given in the Journal of Horticulture (page 77), which
I think will be generally admitted to t)e all that is desired ; and if
all judges and exhibitors were guided by that standard, there would be
few Cucumbers exhibited with yellow ends as long as cigars, seedy,
and pliable as india-rubber. Crisp, fresh, handsome fruit would not be
passed over as they often are, at provincial shows especially. At the
forthcoming " International " to be held at Edinburgh, great justice in
awarding the honours may be relied on. The names of the judges war-
rant this. They are well known as men of high standing, and many of
them have led the van as growers and exhibitors for years. We would
strongly advise those who are to appear in the competition list for the
first time to give quality the leading position while selecting their
articles, as mere bulk will only be telling when quality is present.
First-rate kinds will easily " throw " inferior kinds, however well the
latter may have been managed ; as, for instance, with Grapes, Black
Prince will have no chance with good Muscat Hamburg, or Wliite
jSTice and its varieties will be insignificant beside good White Muscats,
except when weight only is desired. M. Temple.

Balbibnie.

2 D

400 THE GARDENER. [Sept.

HINTS FOR AMATEURS.— SEPTEMBER.

There is much that is pleasant at this season in well-kept gardens.
Order, of course, should be stamped on every part of the grounds.
Plots should be well jfilled with vegetables ; and every flower-bed
and border will now be as gay as they have been all the season ; and
"keeping" may be said to be the greater part of the labour at pre-
sent. Whenever crops are done with, the space should be cleared
without delay, manure given, and the ground turned up and planted
or sown; or, if not required, it should at least be kept free from weeds,
which only (by their seeding on the ground) give labour for years to
come. Hoeing and surface-stirring must be w^ell followed up, and thin-
ning attended to in time. Allowing crops — such as Spinach, Lettuce,
Onions, &c. — to become matted before they are thinned, prevents them
from becoming hardy and able to stand the winter. Spinach we
allow 8 or 9 inches between each plant, and when growth becomes
strong in spring a number of the plants are pulled out by the roots.
However, where this crop is liable to die off, it is best to thin by
degrees, allowing the plants always to stand clear of each other. The
same applies to Onions ; and dustings of soot and burnt earth help to
keep away grubs, &c. Lettuce can be thinned out in the rows or
beds, and the best of the plants planted on a warm sheltered spot.
Dryness is of the greatest importance in winter. We prefer a sharp
ridge, and planting 6 or 8 inches apart, so that every alternate plant
may be cut out when fit for use and a crop left. Lettuce-seed may
still be sown. The finest lot of Lettuces which stood the winter were
on raised Asparagus-beds, where a few good Brown Cos were allowed
to ripen seed, and some were blown about the ground and left to
grow. Wood-ashes or dustings of lime are necessary to keep grubs
and slugs in check. Cauliflowers may be pricked out where they are
to stand the winter. Shelter from the east and north is necessary.
A piece of rather dry ground, measured to the size of a frame, may be
pricked full, and the frame placed over to keep off rain and sharp
frost. When the season is advanced, hand-glasses are useful for pro-
tecting and bringing on early Cauliflowers. A sloping bank, well
broken and in moderately rich condition, answers well. The lights
are fitted on, and the spaces filled with nine plants or more, to be
reduced to five in spring, when they are earthed up. To get them
very early we have often kept the plants in pots, allowing them
plenty of room to grow. Some sow the seed in a box about the
beginning of November, and keep them growing near the glass, with
plenty of air and free from damp, and prick them out in March.
They are about as early as those sown late in August. We give both

1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 401

systems a chance, and sow again in February, and by the three sow-
ings for early work we are always sure of plenty of early Cauliflower ;
but if the plants are drawn up weakly for want of light and air, ruin
is certain. Let ground be well prepared for a plantation of Cabbage.
Strawberries trenched down, and if the ground when turned up is
poor, a good coating of very rotten manure under the top spit will
help the Cabbage on in spring when the roots reach it. We strongly
object to either sowing or planting (at this season) in ground newly
dressed with rank manure. Cabbage may be planted doubly thick at
this season, so that every alternate plant can be cut for early use, and
the crop left at proper distance afterwards. Puddle the roots before
planting in a little soot, cow-dung, and earth, mixed with water, which
will help to keep grubs at bay after planting. Thick-skinned grubs
often secrete themselves by the necks of the plants and eat them
through. Hand-picking is the only effectual remedy we have tried
for getting rid of them. The smaller Cabbage in the seed-rows or
beds should be pricked out in a sheltered position to stand over for
February or March planting. Rank -growing Parsley may be cut
down to give a supply of tops in early winter. Let plenty be planted
out from the thinnings of later successions. When allowed to become
crowded, the leaves are weak, the quality inferior, and the frost and
wet act severely on the crowns. Lift Potatoes as they become ripe.
Medium-sized tubers may be placed in the sun to become green. All
seeds should be gathered as they become ripe. Some of them can be
kept in pod, where they cannot be scattered about, and cleaned out
and put in bags when weather is wet. Keep up supplies of Salads.
Larger quantities of each kind may now be sown ; they will last long
in the cool season, and can be protected when frost is expected. This
applies to Cress of sorts ; American and Golden are excellent. Radishes
and Mustard. Where French Beans are likely to last long, they
should have some kind of temporary frame made round a portion of
them, or hoops bent over them so that mats may be thrown over for
protection. jS^ew Zealand Spinach, Ice-plant, or any other thing use-
ful through the autumn, should be protected if they are wanted. Tie
up Endive to blanch, or place flower-pots over the plants. Celery and
Cardoons may be earthed up. A month or less before they are wanted
will do. We do not hold with earthing them up piecemeal, but give
a good surfacing of decayed manure, covered with a little earth, and
a portion is earthed up as required ; and when fully-grown late crops
are forward enough, they are earthed up all at once. No soil should
fall in their hearts, and the leaves should be kept clear above the
soil. Soakings of manure water will be of great service if the weather
is dry. Onions, if not already pulled, may be taken up soon, dried a

402 THE GARDENER. [Sept.

few days, then stripped of the greater part of their tops, tied to sticks,
say, 2 or 3 feet long, and hung up in a dry shed where the air can
play freely at all times. Laying them on floors in lofts is a bad
practice, except the air can circulate from all sides. Injury from frost
need not be feared if the bulbs can be kept thoroughly dry.

Cucumbers and Melons will require careful attention, now that
nights are becoming colder. Keep up a regular heat by linings
or otherwise. Water, Avhen required, should be given in the morn-
ings. Sprinkling the plants where dung is used will not be neces-
sary now. Air must be given on every favourable opportunity.
Keep Strawberries free from runners, so that the crowns may have
all the benefit of the plant. Some have faith in cutting off the entire
foliage from the plant ; but we never tried the experiment, and to those
who tell us of their success by this practice, we only (in reply) say
that success would have been much greater if the leaves had been pre-
served. Thinning overgrown crowns is quite another thing ; we have
often to do this, our ground being very deep and rich. Where young
plants are scarce, it is a useful practice to save the best of the crowns
when rooting out old plants, and plant them in well-prepared ground,
on a large brake of Sir Harry and British Queen. Treated thus, we
had this year a splendid crop of very large fruit. The divisions were
planted last October. Protecting fruit from birds must not be neglected.
When the grain from the fields is housed, many birds return in flocks
to gardens. Gather fruit as it ripens j bruised or fallen ones should be
kept separate for using up. As the store-rooms get filled, air should
be kept on, and for a few weeks after the crops are all in j then a
close, dark, and dry room is most suitable for long keeping. Fruit-
rooms, before they are filled, should be fumigated several times with
sulphur, and thoroughly washed and dried. Cleanliness is of great im-
portance to fruit-keeping ; damp is a great evil. No growths should be
allowed to grow on fruit-trees now ; everything should be done to ex-
pose the wood (for next year's fruiting) to sun and air. A good washing
with a syringe or engine should be given to Peaches, Nectarines, Apri-
cots, &c., to clear off dust and insects. If mildew appears, let a good
dusting of sulphur be given. Trees are too often neglected with water
at the roots after the fruit is gathered ; premature ripening takes place,
and perhaps accompanied with mildew; the wood looks hard and fruit-
ful, and opens great clusters of flowers in spring ; but as the season
advances the greater part drops and the cry is, "Severe weather,"
"Wet," and everything but the right thing, when the whole evil might
have been prevented by careful autumn treatment. Keeping the shoots
long off the walls in autumn is another evil to be guarded against.
Unripened wood is an evil on the opposite side. While some advise

1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. • 403

getting the wood well hardened and brown, they sometimes omit to men-
tion the necessity of keeping the foliage and roots healthy. Our early
Peach-trees, which ripened their fruit in June, are now quite green
in foliage. The wood is brown all over, and when the hand is drawn
over the fleshy leaves they fall easily off, and the wood is clustered
with buds. The roots are near the surface, and both water-pot and
syringe have been freely used hitherto. With a current of air passing
over the whole surface (dryness is now necessary for a time), we could
always keep trees on walls in similar condition. Healthy fibre is the
principal agent in securing success. Our late trees, which are very
heavy in crop, were punished in the spring by keeping the ventilation
open in all weathers. Many of the newly-formed fruit fell off, but plenty
remained to be thinned off. Raspberries done fruiting may have the old
wood cut out to let air in among the young canes ; but where the canes
are liberally treated, there will be plenty of fruit till the frost takes them
off. Good mulching in spring secures all we require till October, though
some tell us we have to get "perpetual-bearing" Rasps for autumn supply.
We can manage nicely with Falstaff. A quantity of a wild white kind
brought in from the woods last spring, and planted on a trench well
filled up with dung and leaf-mould, is now bearing crops of fruit, many
of which are an inch through. The canes were cut down to within 2
feet of the ground. Morello Cherries and Currants to be kept for some
time on the trees should be kept dry if possible. Thin canvas keeps off
wasps and lets in air, but rain splits the Cherries and rots the Currants.
Oil-cloth to take off and on would be useful if the fruit were worth the
expense. Trees in great vigour should have their roots half lifted, cutting
any tap ones clean off, and make the ground hard under them. Dung
placed under the roots is a great mistake, as it leads them downwards.

All watering may now be done in the morning ; more care is ne-
cessary, as plants require less of it. Drainage should now be kept
well cleared, and no worms in pots should be tolerated. Clean pots
and open healthy surfaces are of great importance.

Stake Chrysanthemums, if not already done. Let the wood
cover the stakes as much as possible ; nothing is less in accordance
with good taste than a mass of sticks propping a plant. Dah-
lias and all other autumn - flowering plants require to be well
secured against wind. If Carnations, Pinks, &c., are to be grown in
pots, they should be lifted carefully, and potted in good turfy loam
and sand, free from wire worms, and placed on a hard surface where
the water would drain off freely. A frame with lights which can be
pushed on to keep off heavy rains is of great advantage. We leave
hundreds of red and white Clove-layers on the stools all winter, and
plant them in well-prepared ground in March. They bloom well from

404 . THE GARDENER. [Sept.

July to Christmas. Anne Boleyn Pinks are valuable for flowering
early. The scent is so good and the colour uncommon, every garden
should have long lines of them. They are easily managed, and very
hardy. Bulbs — such as Hyacinths, Tulips, Narcissus, &c. — should now
have attention. Purchasing is a mere lottery. High prices are often
taken for very inferior kinds. Last season we had far finer flowers from
bulbs bought at 50s. per hundred than those we were charged Is. 6d.
each for. Nevertheless, novelty requires a price, and "fanciers" are
seldom opposed to paying for their hobby. Bulbs should be solid,
heavy in proportion to their size, and quite free from decay on any part
of them. The largest size are seldom the best for throwing compact
and vigorous spikes. Good turfy loam three parts, one part decayed
manure and sand, will give vigour throughout the whole period of
growth. However, when potting three or more bulbs in a pot, we
put extra rich stuff over the drainage, so that the roots can have plenty
when they go down. Manure-water may be freely given when the
spikes are showing. When potting, only half cover the bulb, placing
a little sand where the roots are to be emitted. The pots may then
be stood on a firm bottom, and 6 or 8 inches of old tan, fine coal-
ashes, or sand, placed over their surface, will keep the bulbs in their
place till they grow an inch, when they should be taken out and placed
in a cold frame for a time, to be taken to force if required, which, how-
ever, is best done gently, beginning with a slight bottom-heat, keeping
the crowns near the glass. There are several early kinds which come
in quickly without forcing. Tulips, Narcissus, &c., do with the same
treatment as Hyacinths. Propagate all kinds of decorative plants for
next year. Any which are to be saved from frost should be lifted in
time, potted in light sandy soil, and placed in a frame, watering
thoroughly at first, but afterwards only when really necessary. Large
quantities of Pansies should be placed under hand-glasses, or behind
a wall; they are of great service where glass is scarce. Rose- cuttings
will root freely in sandy soil if they are taken oflf with a "heel" joint.
All plants which have stood out through the summer, and are to be
under protection through the winter, should be taken in now. Let the
pots be thoroughly washed, the surfaces stirred ; all drainage must be
secure and free from worms. A little clean soil placed over the surfaces
of the pots will give a neat appearance. Hardy annuals for spring decora-
tion may be sown at the end of the month. Pelargoniums which have been
cut down and well broke into growth, maybe reduced at the roots and pot-
ted into smaller pots, using rather sandy loam ; but richer soil is neces-
sary after they have made plenty of roots. Cinerarias, Primulas, and other
favourites may have more sun, and should be looked after for green-fly.
Weak manure-water may be given when the pots are full of roots. M. T.

1869.] NEW PLANTS OF THE PAST MONTH. 405

NEW PLANTS OF THE PAST MONTH.

"What the month of July furnished in the way of new plants would
be found at Manchester on the occasion of the great exhibition of the
Royal Horticultural Society. The great majority of these were not
shown for the first time, but some were seen that had not appeared in.
public before. ^ew British Ferns were largely represented, and
many first-class certificates were given. The chief of these were
taken by two of the foremost private cultivators of the day — viz.,
J. E. Mapplebeck, Esq., Moseley, Birmingham, and E. J. Lowe, Esq.,
Highfield House, Birmingham.

The following new varieties of British Eerns received certificates :
Erom Messrs Stansfield & Son, Todmorden : Polypodium vulgare
elegantissimum, apparently the same as Cornubiense and Whitei, a
remarkable Davallia-like specimen. Lastrea montana crispa, Blech-
num Spicant projectum furcans, and lancifolium anomalum, Athyrium
Filix-faemina Shawi, and Athyrium E.-f. Stansfieldii, first-class ; and
Athyrium E.-f. Staleyi, second-class. Erom J. E. Mapplebeck, Esq. :
Asplenium marinum ramosum Claphami; A. trichomanes incisum Clap-
hami; Athyrium amoenum, Craigii, eulophos, Mapplebeckii, furcillans ;
Blechnum Spicant Mapplebeckii, a charming cristate form ; Poly-
podium vulgare semilacerum robustum; Scolopendrium vulgare
hemionitoides, crispum latum multifidum, and semipinnatum, first-
class ; Scolopendrium vulgare Gloveri, spirale nanum, and perafero
cornutum, Polypodium vulgare kraspedomenon, and Lastrea Eelix-mas
foliosa, second-class. Erom E. J. Lowe, Esq. : Scolopendrium Vic-
toriae, cuticulare, rugosum Bellairsise, tridentiferium optandum, poluk-
lonon, thusanasson, gloriosum, marginato-undulatum and decorum ;
Asplenium marinum capitatum and imbricatum, Polystichum angulare
lineare laxum, coronare, oxyphyllum Ehvorthii, and laudatum, Athy-
rium E.-f. Eraseri, amoenum, Hookeri, and Edwardsii, all first-class.

W. B. S. Williams, HoUoway, London, received first-class certifi-
cates for Cibotium Schiedei furcans, having most of the divisions of
the frond forked ; and for Todea intermedia, a name indicative of its
appearance, which is exactly intermediate between that of T. hynieno-
phylloides (pellucida), and T. superba, — sufficiently so, says the
Gardeners^ Chronicle, " to suggest the idea that botanically these
plants may form but one species. The plant had been imported
amongst others from New Zealand. It has the stalked fronds of T,
hymenophylloides, while the lamina, instead of being plane, is frilled
after the manner of T. superba, though in a less degree." In a group
of fine-foliaged plants Mr Williams also exhibited a remarkable form
of Cordyline indivisa, having unusually broad leaves and a particularly

406 THE GARDENER. [Sept.

noble and elegant appearance. It was subsequently awarded a first-
class certificate under the name of C. indivisa latifolia. A similar
award was made to Messrs Earron & Son, Borrowash Nurseries,
Derby, for Abies Douglassi acutifolia, with a very distinct character.

On the occasion of these great shows, it is the custom of the Council
to delegate to the Floral Committee the power of recommending speci-
men plants, evidencing meritorious culture, for special certificates, or
the higher award of silver medals. On this occasion silver medals
were awarded to Mr W. E. Dixon, I^orwood nursery, Beverley, for a
splendid mass of Ansectochilus Lowii. To Mrs E. Cole & Sons,
Withington, Manchester, for Ixora Colei, a new white variety, of
which a good specimen was shown in fine flower ; and to a noble mass
of Alocassia Jenningsii, from Mr Stevenson, Lark Hill, Timperley.

There was the usual abundance of new florists' flowers, though but
few of them were of first-class excellence. A first-class certificate was
awarded to Messrs Downie, Lau'd, & Laing for gold and bronze
Pelargonium, Imperatrice Eugenie, a finely-marked variety of robust
habit, having a strongly-marked reddish chocolate zone on a golden
leaf- ground. Mr Charles Turner, Slough, received first-class certi-
ficates for Picotees Admiration and Miss Turner, the former a heavy
rosy-purple edged flower of the finest quality and fullest substance,
the petals large and stout, and regularly marked; the latter a medium
light rose-edged flower, full and finely marked. Mr C. J. Perry, The
Cedars, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, who contributed some splendid
cut Verbenas, received first-class certificates for the following : — Rising
Sun, glowing salmon-red, with small white eye surrounded by a rich
deep maroon ring ; and Butterfly, warm flesh-colour, with a striking
crimson ring round a pale eye.

The termination of the large shows leaves only the bi-monthly
meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society as the occasions when
new plants can be produced. At the meeting on August 3d, first-
class certificates were awarded to two subjects in a group of very inter-
esting plants staged by Mr Green, gardener to W. Wilson Saunders,
Esq., Reigate — viz., Trichotosia ferox, and a Dieffenbachia species from
Brazil. "The former was perhaps the most interesting subject shown
at the meeting, the whole of the stem and leaves, which are of a dark-
green colour, being covered with stiff brown hairs ; while the flowers,
which are small, and of a pale violet or brownish colour, with a streak
of orange down the lip, are produced in longish, pendulous, zigzag
spikes, which give to the plant a very graceful appearance." The
Dieffenbachia had large dark-green leaves, and is distinct in character.
Mr Pilch er, gardener to S. Rucker, Esq., Wandsworth, received a first-
class certificate for a very fine specimen of Haemanthus cinnabarinus,

1869.] HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 407

having a large and showy umbel of orange-coloured flowers. Calamus
intermedins, a very graceful Palm, with feathery foliage, received a
first-class certificate : and a species of Odontoglossum, named Schlie-
perianum, with large pale-greenish yellow flowers, received a second-
class certificate. Both of these came from Mr AVilliam Bull, Chelsea,
London. A first-class certificate was awarded to Mr T. Howlett, of
Oxford, for Athyrium Filix-fsemina Kallothria, a remarkably fine
variety of the Lady Pern, and so delicate in the pinnules as to re-
semble a Todea.

Pirst-class certificates were awarded to Mr William Chater, Saffron
"Walden, for the following Hollyhocks : Constance, pale flesh ; Wal-
den Queen, pale rose ; Carus Chater, dark crimson ; Leah, tinted
yellow ; and Juno, flesh-coloured, tinted with blush. Mr C. J. Perry
received first-class certificates for the following Verbenas : R. H. Ver-
tegans, bright purple, with large dark centre ; Rev. J. Dix, pale flesh-
colour, with dark rose eye ; Thomas Hyatt, a dark magenta Self; and
Joseph Sanders, rich deep scarlet, with lemon eye. Messrs Bell &
Thorpe, Stratford-on-Avon, received a first-class certificate for varie-
gated zonal Pelargonium Macbeth, a finely-marked variety with a
good golden leaf-margin ; also for Petunia Beauty, a single variety,
with flowers of a pale lilac ground-colour, with purple throat and veins,
and of fine texture. Mr H. Tirebuck, Luton, received the same award
for a dark pink bedding Pelargonium, named Gustave de Rothschild ;
habit dwarf, and very promising as a bedder. Also to Mr Eckford,
gardener to Earl Radnor, Coleshill, Berks, for zonal Pelargonium
Coleshill, a bright scarlet-flowering variety of fine quality. Mr George
Smith, Tollington Nursery, Hornsey, also received first-class certificates
for two handsome nosegay Pelargoniums, named Claudius and Soleil,
the former in the way of Amy Hogg, but with immense trusses of
flowers ; the latter having bold and showy trusses of bright scarlet
flowers. The same award was made to a handsome nosegay named
Sydney Dunstan, with large trusses of brilliant scarlet flowers. This
was exhibited by Mr J. George, gardener to Miss l!^icholson. Putney
Heath, who was also the raiser of the two varieties exhibited by Mr
George Smith. R. D.

NOTES ON HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS.

Primula. — This is a very beautiful and interesting group of hardy
border and rock plants, which in bygone years was much admired
and extensively cultivated in this country, but latterly it has been
entirely neglected, at least in the gardens of the rich. It is rather

408 THE GARDENER. [Sept.

astonishing that it should be so, Primulas are so fragrant, so beauti-
ful in colouring, and so neat in habit ; and the majority of the species,
flowering as they do in spring and early summer, present a character
so desirable, that one would think lovers of flowers, whether profes-
sional or amateur, could not easily forget or forgo. There are signs,
however, of the old love being taken up again. Some beautiful varie-
ties of the Cowslip and Primrose are found very useful in the spring
flower-garden, for which they are very fit ; and the catalogues of
florists and seedsmen are swelling with new species and varieties in
addition to many old and well-known sorts. The majority of Primu-
las are very accommodating in cultivation, adapting themselves to
many kinds of soils and situations, but are most at home in sandy
loams, deep and moist, but well drained and in moderately shady
positions. They are easily propagated by seeds, cuttings, and divi-
sion, the last being the simplest and easiest process where large
increase is not an object. In laying in first stock, seed is the best and
cheapest way in the case of the varieties of P. Auricula, Primrose,
and Polyanthus, unless fine named sorts are wanted, when they must of
course be purchased in plants, and by name, the same as with other
florists' flowers ; and the finer and more rare species must be got in the
same way, because seeds of those are not always procurable true in
this country. For a couple of months or more after sowing the plants
do not require much room, and are liable to be destroyed by slugs
and other pests whilst in the tender seedling state. A cold frame,
hand-lights, or glasses, should therefore, if possible, be devoted to
them, in which they will be more easily guarded against "all enemies
than if they were in the open ground. If many sorts are to be sown,
small pots should be used to sow in, and they should be plunged in
sand or coal-ashes. The soil should be sandy loam, peat, and well-
decayed leaf-mould, in equal proportions, with plenty of sharp sand to
keep the whole sweet and open. Sow thinly, and keep the soil regu-
larly moist till the plants appear, when caution in watering will
require to be exercised to prevent damping, to which Primulas are all
rather liable in their first stages from seed. As soon as the plants are
big enough to handle, they must be pricked out thinly in pans, pots,
or boxes, and returned to the frame, or set in a shady, warm, sheltered
place, and well attended to with water, — taking care, however, not
to allow the soil to become stagnant with too frequent waterings,
which would very soon be followed by sickness and death to
the plants. Primulas delight in moisture in the growing season;
but a good sound watering at intervals, not daily driblets or sprink-
lings, is what they want. When the plants have made sufficient
roots and bulk of leaves they may be transferred to their permanent

1869.] HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 409

quarters and well watered after planting, when they will need little
more attention for the season beyond keeping them clean. If the
seeds are sown in the end of March, the plants treated as above
directed will bloom the following spring. In the case of getting up
large quantities of Primroses and Polyanthuses, for the purpose of
planting out in woods and suchlike places, the foregoing directions
would be troublesome and expensive, as it is only meant for the more
valuable and rare species and varieties. The common varieties are
best sown on a warm border in the beginning of April, in beds, broad-
cast or in drills, and, when fit to handle, planted out in nursing-lines
in rich soil weU manured with old hotbed dung. Cuttings are best
put in in spring, when growth has fairly begun : the same soil as re-
commended for seeds is suitable for cuttings. Division should be
done first after flowering is over, unless large increase of particular
sorts should be desired, or when the plant is very weak and would
obviously be invigorated by being divided immediately before flower-
ing commences ; in such cases everything should be done to prolong
the growing period, and all flowers removed as soon as they can be got
hold off". Under the name P. veris, Linnaeus included the three forms
of Primula most common in this country, — the Primrose, P. vulgaris ;
the Oxlip, P. elatior ; and the Cowslip, P. veris of modern botanists,
being considered by him essentially the same for the purposes of science.
But to gardeners and florists it is convenient to distinguish between
the three forms, which are well marked and pretty constant in culti-
vation, at least P. veris, the Cowslip. The common flower-stalk in this
form rises considerably above the leaves, supporting an umbel of
flowers; and in the single varieties, the corolla is small and cup-
shaped — features that are lost sight of in the double varieties, or flor-
ists' Polyanthuses. Prom this form there are many varieties, some of
which are most beautiful things in their season, and worthy a place
among choice plants. The commoner single sorts are suitable for
planting in woods and on banks, and about the edges of masses of
shrubs.

J^. vulgaris. — The Primrose is distinguished from the Cowslip by
the flower-stalks having the appearance of springing directly from the
root, and bearing each only one flower : there is, however, a common
footstalk so short as to be concealed by the leaves. The corolla in
the Primrose is larger than that of the Cowslip, and flat. There are
many very interesting and beautiful varieties of Primrose, both single
and double ; the single varieties need not be enumerated, but are very
useful for planting out in clumps or patches, as recommended for the
commoner forms of Cowslip. The best of the double varieties are the
flesh-coloured, the white, the sulphur, the lilac, the red, the coppery,

410 THE GARDENER. [Sept.

and the dark purjole : the three last are rare, and difficult to procure.
All are invaluable for the spring flower-garden, for rock-work, and for
many other purposes in the kitchen and fruit gardens.

In P. elatior, the Oxlip, the common flower-stalk is generally
shorter and stouter than that of the Cowslip, but is variable in length
and strength ; ahvays, however, showing the umbel above the foliage,
and the corolla is broader and flatter than that of the Cowslip. This
is the least constant form of the three, and its varieties are less num-
erous and interesting than those of the other two ; they are mainly
useful for planting along with the commoner sorts of Cowslip and
Primrose in woods and suchlike places.

P. auricula is the parent of the well-known varieties of stage and
border Auriculas. In its native habitats on the German, Swiss, and
Italian Alps, it is rather a variable plant, but not to such an extent
as to shadow forth, even remotely, the endless and beautiful combina-
tions that have sprung from it in the florist's hands. Yellow and red
are the most common colours in nature, with purple occasionally, and
Selfs are more common than variegated varieties, which is also true of
the majority of florists' varieties raised, only the variegated forms are
the most favoured. It would take more space than can be allowed
here to notice in detail the method of cultivating and raising the finer
varieties, which have been most favoured by florists ; and it is the less
necessary to do so, because treatises on the subject have been long in
existence, and give details ample and curious enough to satisfy the
most particular inquirer. Almost any of the varieties are worthy of
cultivating, were it for no other purpose than that of yielding early
crops of cut flowers out of doors. Where these are wanted in quan-
tity, the fragrance and pretty colours of the auricula render them very
desirable. All that are suitable for this purpose may be grown in the
borders of the kitchen-garden, about the margin of shrubberies, &c. ;
and they will succeed in any common garden-soil, if not too heavy
and wet. W. S.

THE EDUCATION QUESTION".

We have read with sympathetic interest the clever and suggestive
papers discussing this subject in these pages for some months back,
and we are anxious to see the Editor's final remarks on the subject, as
we are certain there is no gardener in the kingdom better qualified
from experience or judgment to say what the gardener's education
ought to be, what sort of young man from this point of view makes the
best gardener, and how education is to be applied in order to test the

1869.] THE EDUCATION QUESTION. 411

whole profession — if by education it is to be done, as some suppose.
We are not going to plunge into the discussion for or against any-
particular view of the subject. Much that we should have liked to
have said has been very much better said already ; not fool enough
to rush into criticism, having a wholesome dread of blows, still
not sufficiently angelic to fear to tread in the wake and shade of
wiser men. Since the Editor invites opinion on the subject, we
propose only to give a few notions about education in general, and
gardeners' education in particular. We have been trying to define
in a few words, in our own mind, what education is, but have failed ;
and yet we hear of wonderful lots of peojDle having finished their
education. AYe readily understand a process of education. That edu-
cation is not knowledge is certain ; and one may have lots of know-
ledge and no education, and yet in being educated we are acquiring
knowledge. Education seems something preliminary to knowledge —
the key to open the strong box, the Rosetta stone which is to decipher
the great hieroglyph of knowledge. Education is a process of train-
ing for some purpose, as we do dogs and soldiers ; but we may end
with the training and never begin the purpose. What lots of edu-
cated people we have nowadays of both sexes to no purpose ! Indeed,
to be educated has become quite a fashionable distinction, and yet to
be highly educated is compatible with any degree of ignorance. In-
deed, we venture to say that the ignorance of some of our acquain-
tance is in proportion to the extent of their education. We know
young gentlemen who have been jockeyed through the Eton and
Oxford course, and finished complete muffs. No doubt Lord Dun-
dreary is an educated man. However, we forget the purpose ; so the
Eton and Oxford education may be the training for gentlemen. We
fear many have their pow^er of vision trained away, for to be highly
educated is to see nothing, to look vacant, to admire nothing, to laugh
at nothing — in short, not to be vulgar : savage accomplishments ; but
extremes meet. We hope the young gardener is not about to be so
super-educated as to overlook the " very common things."

If education be a training for a purpose, the gardener must have
his special training ; and a twofold training — a mechanical and a mental.
The soldier gets his training on parade, the gardener must have his
in the garden ; but as the parade-ground could never make the soldier
a commanding officer, neither can the garden alone make a true gar-
dener. Every schoolmaster knows that education is not so much a
stuffing in as a pumping out of the mind, to give room for wholesome
ideas — indeed, a mind simple, vacant, and hungry, as it were, is in the
best possible condition to receive instruction ; but a mind choke-full
of conceit and great notions of its acquirements wants pumping out.

412 THE GARDENER. [Sept.

Most young gardeners require a great deal of pumping out, as masters
find to their cost in temper and patience. At any rate, like the soldier
in the awkward squad, he requires his hands, legs, and eyes discip-
lined in the garden. This discipline must embrace a pretty exten-
sive range of subjects, — levelling of ground, planting, training; in
fact, everything which demands skilled labour. This, we take it, is
a very important part of a gardener's education indeed, seeing that it
is essentially a practical profession, like surgery. All the very best
generals, from Frederick the Great downwards, have been stern discip-
linarians. We must learn to obey before we can command. The
mental part of the gardener's education seems, however, to mono-
polise attention at present, as if that were the great want of the
class. We do not think the mental ability of the profession is at all
retrograding as compared with its practical efficiency. We have a
great army and navy fit for any practical undertaking, but we do not
hear of many great admirals or generals. Gardening is not in that
position ; we have abundance of great generals. We do not, however,
mean in the least to underrate the importance for all gardeners of a
well-disciplined mind, and it well stored with all sorts of useful in-
formation bearing on the subject; indeed, such is necessary to every
one who would rise above mere routine. The amount of education
the gardener requires to begin with, and how it is to be acquired,
seems to be the vexed point. Much preliminary learning does not
seem at all necessary — a little learning in this case might be a trouble-
some if not a dangerous thing ; and yet we are told that if gardening
is to be maintained at all, the rising generation ought to be acquainted
with all the ologies — indeed, most of the sciences which end with y.
In the view of a large amount of work with a minimum of hands, if
we were asked to disestablish our present rather unscientific though
generally industrious staff, and accept a batch of those young philoso-
phers in their stead, we own we should dread the result. In addition to
the training which our future gardener receives at home, the school ac-
complishments of reading, 'riting, and 'rithmetic must of course be given ;
and let me say that the young man who can really read well, write well,
and is master of the fundamentals of arithmetic, has accomplished a very
great deal — indeed, we do not hesitate to say that he has accomplished
all that is necessary at school in view of his prospects as a gardener.
His practical education must begin early. I repeat, it is no small
matter to be able to read. Thousands of grown-up people fancy they
can read the Bible, but they cannot. Many young men read through
useful books, and after all they are not read ; they must mark, learn,
and inwardly digest what is read. Some scientific books are often read
just as a pastime, as we would a novel; indeed, many are written

1869.] THE EDUCATION QUESTION. 413

simply as sensational science. It is certain that the man who cannot
read well can never write well. We do not refer to mere handwriting,
although to be a good penman is an excellent acquirement, but to
the manner and matter written. The man who knows his own lan-
guage well can never make many grammatical mistakes. Many a gar-
dener has been able to overcome otherwise insurmountable difficulties
by being able to lay those difficulties succinctly, forcibly, and clearly
before his employer in writing. A man's letter is a pretty good gauge
of his mind. We are sorry to say that we have received letters from
head-gardeners of which we were heartily ashamed, insomuch that we
felt degraded that such men should be chosen to occupy the same pro-
fessional platform. Handwriting may be like the address of Tony
Lumpkin's letter ; but as the same authority sagely remarked that the
inside always contained the cream of the correspondence, we would
forgive the crabbed penmanship if the matter make us respect the
writer.

We have said that the gardener must begin early the practical
branch of his education ; therefore he has no time to spare, even if it
were expedient, in view of his future prospects, to pursue an advanced
course of school education. Young men, as a rule, cannot be grounded
in the sciences before being turned into the garden ; but if that were
practicable, we think physical geography of the first importance, meteor-
ology and vegetable physiology to some extent. But we open a dan-
gerous prospect for our argument. Those sciences are mines of know-
ledge for him; with perseverance, energy, and the mental tools with which
nature and the schoolmaster have provided him, he will have abundance
of opportunity for picking out and storing his mind with a whole
cyclopaedia of information. We have said the young man does not
require to be a ready-made philosopher before entering the garden.
George Stephenson was only a pit-boy, and so was George Elliot of the
present day ; and all our best living gardeners, we venture to say,
started early to work in the garden. The very perseverance and
energy which enable the young man to educate himself -udll secure
his success in future life. It is that sort of energy which will triumph
over the innumerable petty difficulties which are incessantly besetting
the gardener's operations.

There is one aspect of education which seems to be overlooked, and
which is of much importance to the gardener, seeing that he has
to come mucli into contact with people of taste, and that is the edu-
cation of the manners : this alone is education among certain classes.
While decision of character should be cultivated in the forming and
carrying out of plans of operation, nothing is more offensive in a
servant than over-confidence and arrogance : deference should at all

414 THE GARDENER. [Sept.

times be sliown with judgment to the opinion of others, especially
employers and superiors. Modesty is characteristic of superior ability.
Neatness in appearance and a prompt and ready address are always
pleasing to employers. Snobbishness and foppery are utterly contemp-
tible in the eyes of those whose bread we eat, or who are our superiors
in position, and who look at us from an elevated social stand-point.
An employer respects his servant for what he can do in return for the
money paid, and for his intrinsic worth as a man. We ought all to
try and know ourselves and study character in others : sometimes it is
safe to take some good and successful man as our model. We would
recommend to the young man the reading of some books which per-
haps many would condemn, for instance the Kenilworth and Quentln
Durward of Sir Walter Scott, the Plays of Shakespeare and the
Proverbs of Solomon, to which last we guess no one will object.

The selection of the right man for the right place is a more difficult
problem, we think, than that of education. It is discouraging enough
for the young man who has industriously devoted his novitiate in ac-
quiring a fund of useful information, to enable him to take his place
in a forward position in the profession, to find himself forestalled by
another competitor who has few acquired qualifications, except that of
having an all-powerful friend. The Royal Horticultural Society are
no doubt taking a step in the right direction by the institution of ex-
aminations. Those will point the finger of fame to the successful candi-
dates in mental acquirements, but there still remains after all the
most essential — namely, the practical test. There are many excellent
gardeners with but scant mental learning ; on the other hand, there are
many who are choke-full of science, who can talk and write by the
hour and yard, yet who, if weighed in the practical balance, would
certainly be found wanting. The Squire's Gardener.

— ■^'KdT^^^-^-K—

EXPERIMENTS WITH POTATOES.

[The following experiments with Potatoes were conducted under the direction
of Admiral Horby, and are very interesting to Potato-growers. — Ed.]

We give below the results of experiments with fourteen varieties of
seed Potatoes. All the varieties were treated alike, and sown in black
soil on the Knowsley Cottage Farm. Nos. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 13,
and 14, were obtained from Scotland. All these are good eating
Potatoes, the first particularly so ; and of this kind beautifully shaped
single Potatoes have been turned up from 28 to 31 oz. in weight.

1869.]

QUINCE STOCK.

415

sled sown. ^^^^^ ^^ Potatoes

1. 141b. — Paterson's Blue

2. 141b. — Paterson's Regent

3. 141b.— Paterson's Hed .

4. 141b. — Dapitree's Early

5. 141b.— Paterson's Oval Blue

6. 141b. — Paterson's Victoria

7. 141b.— Webb's Imperial

8. 141b. — Paterson's Napoleon

9. 141b.— Dalmahoy

10. 141b. — Pinkeye Kemp .

11. 141b. — Arrowsraith's Seedling

12. 141b.— Fluke

13. 141b.— Bloomer .

14. 81b.— Kosse's Early .

"Weight of Marketable Produce.

6181b. or 44 times weight sown.

5391b. or 38 times.

4011b. or 281 times.

3941b. or 28 times.

3591b. or 25 times.

3291b. or 231 times.

2721b. or ig^times.

2291b. or 16 times.

2211b. nearly 16 times.

2001b. over 14 times.

1791b. or 13 times.

951b. or 7 times.

921b. or 6J times.
2721b. or 34 times.

QUINCE STOCK.

I WAS pleased to see Mr M'Millan's supplementary paper on this sub-
ject, and I am gratified to learn that he is experimenting practically
with the Quince : he has my best wishes f©r his success, and none will
be more willing to acknowledge it than myself, and profit by the re-
sult. There are one or two statements in his paper, however, which,
as they are slightly calculated to create a false impression regarding
some of my remarks, I would like to notice as briefly as possible.
Mr M'Millan alludes to my remarks about him being guided 07ily by
" considerations of soil and climate" in adopting the Quince in prefer-
ence to the Pear ; and from the way in which he discusses these points,
in their relation to horticulture generally, I fancy he has rather mis-
apprehended me. To the most of what he says on these questions I
cannot demur ; I certainly agree with him that " considerations of soil
and climate" a?'e important points to be studied by the gardener —
points, indeed, which we cannot easily avoid studying, since they are
pressed upon our attention too frequently, and in the most forcible
manner sometimes ; but in my former article I spoke of these points
only in relation to the Quince stock ; and Mr M'Millan is aware, as
his very explicit papers on hardy-fruit culture indicate, that there are
considerations, other than soil or climate, to be taken into account in
choosing between the Quince and Pear stock; and I think that a careful
perusal of my remarks will show, that while I did not ignore the

2 E

416 THE GARDENER. [Sept.

"considerations" alluded to, I dwelt more particularly on the unsuit-
ableness of the Quince as a stoclc only. Though hardiness is not a
feature of it, I do not doubt its adaptability in some respects, as Mr
M'Millan has pointed out ; but for the reasons given in my former
paper, I say that for permanent plantations it is not safe.

Mr M'Millan admits it to be no uncommon thing to hear a gardener
say, " Well, I have discarded the Quince stock as useless." This is
ominous, coming as it does from such an able advocate of the Quince
as Mr ]\I'Millan ; and the explanation which he offers is not a fortunate
one. Ignorance concerning the mode of treatment may exist in some
cases, as Mr M'Millan supposes, but we know that the Quince stock
has been discarded and condemned at different times upon more intel-
ligible grounds, by men who would probably resent the idea of being
classed with quacks and pretenders ; and besides, information on this,
as upon any other horticultural subject, is now so ripe and so acces-
sible that no one need be ignorant who has an interest in being in-
formed.

Since my former remarks were j^enned' I have had an opportunity
of seeing what can be done with the Pear stock at Worksop Manor,
Notts. The fruit-trees there are a feature, and Mr Miller is a master
in the art of cultivating them. The collection of standard Pears, &c.
there is perhaps as fine as can be seen anywhere, healthy, handsome
as could be desired, and prolific, and examples of what can be done
by skilful pruning and training. Mr Miller is also experimenting
with the Quince ; and the trees look well, but they are young. How-
ever, Mr Miller has no occasion to be alarmed should the Quince fail
with him, since the Pear stock serves his purpose so well.

J. Simpson.

THE MAIQ'CHESTER EXHIBITION OF THE ROYAL
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

On the 19th of July, Manchester was the great centre towards which horticul-
turists tended from all parts of the United Kingdom — for Scotland, Ireland, and
Wales had its representatives there. This annual provincial gathering does
afford, in an eminent degree, a great central meeting-point, where the rising men
of the present day can grasp the hand of those who have left their mark high up
in the annals of horticulture, and come face to face with men they had hitherto
only known by reputation. This has long been a desideratum, and the provincial
meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society well supply it. It is a means of
cementing old ties, and of forming new friendships ; there is an exchange of re-
ciprocities and an interchange of ideas both secured, the pleasure derived from
which lives long after the opportunity has passed away.
On this occasion the Royal Horticultural Society nearly, if not quite, went to

1869.] THE MANCHESTER EXHIBITION. 417

the wall. It wag so completely overshadowed by the great agricultural gather-
ing, that it had to content itself with a very sparse patronage, and a probable
deficit. The site of the horticultural gathering was badly chosen, though it is
not unlikely that there was no choice in the matter. It v/as on the opposite side
of the agricultural gathering, most difficult of access — for all, or nearly all, the con-
veyances were monopolised by the visitors to its much more pretentious neigh-
bour. The entrances to the grounds would have disgraced a country show, so
roughly and hideously were they constructed ; the ground was rough and uneven,
and where it had been attempted to make the passage through the tents a trifle
more pleasant, it had been done by laying down some spits of turf, that soon be-
came loosened, and actually made the way more difficult. The tents were too
widely distributed ; one, containing the Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, &c., was placed
so far away that many visitors would not attempt to reach it over the rough turf
and under the bi-oiling sun. Many of the stages for the plants were as hideous
as the entrance-gates — huge rough deal slabs without any pretence at covering ;
and the plants being widely distributed, the naked deformity of the stages became
more markedly apparent. Without attempting to enter into the matters of dis-
pute between the Royal Horticultural Society and the Council of the Manchester
Botanic Gardens, it was yet a great calamity that these fine gardens could not
have been made the site for the show ; and to have obtained them, and the pres-
tige attaching to them, would have been worth a large sacrifice on the part of the
Royal Horticultural Society. There was a most convenient site, numberless
appliances, and the undoubted administrative capacity and invaluable aid of ilr
Bruce Findlay, at their disposal, but they were rejected. Perhaps, for a place
like Manchester, there might have been too much of standing on its dignity shown
by the Council. Governing bodies of such a character are too often deeply tainted
with this infirmity. A generous man, who understood better the men with whom
he was treating, might have effected an equitable arrangement that would have
set aside many causes of complaint and heart-burnings, and in all probability have
changed a comparative failure into a splendid success. The considerations con-
stituted the dark side of the Manchester gathering— the heavy shadows obscuring
to some extent a bright prospect behind them.

There were lesser shadows as well hanging about this gathering. Such a big
show as this should never open on a Monday. It must entail a great amount of
Sunday work, and there are men who might have, but who did not exhibit in
consequence of this. To some, considerations for the religious sanctity attached
to the character of the day kept them from exhibiting; others, valuing it chiefly
as a day of respite from forced labour, would not make an exception to their
invariable practice. Then to those to whom neither of these considerations came
with much weight, there was to be met all the inconveniences and disadvantages
of Sunday-travelling — no rapid express trains or quick journeys, and in some cases
no trains at all., Then, naturally enough, the Monday morning trains were crowded
from all parts, and very late in consequence; and those who had to make a jour-
ney of 60 or 100 miles found themselves on the ground some hour and a-half too
late. This was vexatious enough in itself, but to be told afterwards that they
could not have their exhibition cards because they were so late, was enough to
call forth the ire of the most placid temperament ; and under such circumstances
small exhibitors fare badly. A little more courtesy on the part of Mr Elye's sub-
ordinates might be attempted another year with the best possible results.

It is always a matter for great regret that the judging cannot be commenced
earlier at these large exhibitions ; but it is perhaps unavoidable. Two things

418 THE GARDENER. [Sept.

invariably happen : first, that a great many of the cut-flowers become scorched up
ere they can be examined by the judges ; and, secondly, the company throng
the tents, to the great inconvenience of the judges.

The luncheon to the judges and exhibitors went the way of many other things
at the meeting — cold, lifeless, and uninteresting. If it is to be taken as represen-
tative of the "less pretentious dinner" advocated by the Gardeners' Chronicle,
by all means let us have in the future the warmth, life, and vivacity of the meet-
ing at Leicester last year. Not the best chairman that could have been selected
from the Council presided ; and excepting that there was something to eat and
drink, the whole affair was a miserable abortion. The chairman made an attempt
to propose a toast ; scarcely any one knew the nature of it, and no one the pur-
port of the few hurried words in which he introduced it. Such a gathering as
that might have been turned to practical account by the Council, but the mem-
bers of that body present appeared to treat it as a bore. They displayed no gener-
ous sympathies towards the important body of horticulturists there met together.
The meeting divided into small coteries, and the members of the Council soon
disappeared. In the evening there was a gathering in the same tent, under the
presidency of W. B. S. Williams, and it w^ould have been well if some of the
members of the Council could have been present to hear what was thought of and
expressed regarding the proceedings of that day. The chairman struck a key-
note that gave harmony to the utterances of each speaker when he asserted that
the experience of that day proved most conclusively that the Royal Horticultural
Society should no longer link itself to the Agricultural Society in its visits to the
provinces, but go into them independently, and stand or fall by its own merits.
No one regarded the Agricultural Society as the enemy of the Horticultural So-
ciety, but simply that on these occasions it was completely overshadowed by it,
and pushed into a remote corner. The Agricultural Society did not require the
companionship of the Horticultural Society ; in fact, would rather be without it.
Let the Horticultural Society be courageous, and go to the provinces on a purely
independent footing ; and if that were necessary, go in an entirely opposite direc-
tion to that taken by the Agriculturists, and he (the Chairman) prophesied that
it would meet with abundant success, be much more warmly received by undi-
vided sympathies, and be generously supported. That no official of the Royal
Horticultural Society was present was severely commented on, as it was con-
sidered that hopes had been held out by the Society that its hospitalities should
have been more decisively expressed. Concurrently with this, its neglect of the
Chiswick gardens was vehemently reprehended, as in its present condition it
affords few inducements to practical horticulturists from the country to visit it
when in London.

It may be that the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society cares but little
for such opinions as these. That they are extensively held is beyond doubt. No
one thinks that that body cares for practical horticulture as such ; they see and
care only for the show and tinsel they can gather about it, and the aristocratic
prestige resulting therefrom. But outside this charmed circle are hundreds of
earnest able men who are hourly realising the conclusion, that shows and not
realities are inevitable corollaries of such a state of things. It is devoutly to be
hoped that something nobler and better will be presently inaugurated in place of
the mere outside show too much presented to the Horticultural world at the pre-
sent day. We may be nearer to this, however, than some wot of : this is certain,
that we will do our utmost to aid this revolution ; and when it bursts upon us, if
only partially at first, give it our earnest support.

1869.] HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. 419

HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS.

Royal Botanic Society, Regent's Park, June 30.— This, in all probability,
closes the large exhibitions of the Royal Botanic Society. It is stated that they
have not been financial successes, and in consequence they are to be abolished.
It was in all respects a fine exhibition, the various classes were well filled, and
notwithstanding the lateness of the season, the plants were generally in good con-
dition. The Orchids sent from the collection of A. Turner, Esq., Leicester, were
remarkably fine, and the group formed one of the principal attractions of the
show, which was lai-gely and fashionably attended.

In the amateurs' class for ten stove and greenhouse plants, the best came from
Mr Chapman, gardener to J. Spode, Esq., Hawkesyard Park, Rugeley, who bad a
magnificent bush of Phajnocoma prolifera, about 5 feet through, and beautifully
flowered ; a large and finely-bloomed Pimelea diosmaefolia, well-furnished speci-
mens of Erica tricolor Holfordiana, and E. Parmentieriana, the latter a hand-
some bush, about 3 feet through ; Polygala cordata, large, and covered with
flowers ; an equally well-grown and flowered Dracophyllum gracile, and a very
good Ixora coccinea, &c. Mr T. Baines, gardener to H. Micholls, Esq., Bowden,
Cheshire, was second, and contributed a nicely-flowered specimen of Ixora javan-
ica, about 5 feet high ; a large Bougainvillea glabra, covered with blooms ; a mag-
nificently-furnished specimen of Darwinia (Hederoma) tulipifera, with flowers of
remarkable size and colour ; a grand bush of Erica obbata, and Ixora coccinea,
&c. Mr D. Donald, gardener to J. G. Barclay, Esq., came third. In the corre-
sponding class for nurserymen, Mr Ransley Tanton of Epsom was first, showing a
well-furnished and finely-flowered Aphelexis macrantha purpurea, a very good
Allamanda Hendersoni, about 5 feet high ; a splendid specimen of Kalosanthes
miniata splendens, not fully in bloom ; Allamanda grandiflora, in good condition ;
Sfcephanotis floribunda, a good specimen, nicely flowered ; and a smallish, though
remarkably healthy, Phseaocoma prolifera Barnesii. Mr B. S. Williams was
second with very good specimens of Ixora javanica, Allamanda cathartica, Ste-
phanotis floribunda, and Anthurium Scherzerianum, with twenty of its brilliant
scarlet spathes, &c. Messrs Jackson & Son, Kingston, were third. The best six
in the amateurs' class came from Mr J. Ward, gardener to F. G. Wilkins, Esq.,
who had a beautiful Allamanda grandiflora, about 5 feet high and 4 feet through,
well flowered ; also Clerodendron Balfourianum and Bougainvillea glabra, both
well flowered ; a nicely grown and flowered Phrenocoma prolifera Barnesii, Ixora
amboynensis, and Dracophyllum gracile, in good condition. Mr J. Wheeler was
second with a very good example of Aphelexis rosea, a small though well-bloomed
Clerodendron Balfourianum, a good Bougainvillea glabra, and a neat pyramidal
bush of Ixora javanica floribunda, &c.

The best ten fine-foliaged plants, in the nurserymen's class, came from Mr B.
S. Williams, who had a small but fair specimen of Sanchezia nobilis, nicely-
coloured examples of Croton pictum, large and fine Latania borbonica, Theo-
phrasta imperialis. Yucca quadricolor, and Cordyline indivisa, &c. Mr J. Burley
stood second with a good Cordyline indivisa, Chamserops humilis, Fortunei, Yucca
aloifolia, Dicksonia antarctica, &c. In the corresponding class for amateurs, Mr
Fairbairn, gardener to the Duke of Northumberland, Sion House, took the first
prize with a fine group, amongst which were a grand Thamnopteris Nidus, An-
thurium acaule, Alocasia metallica, and A. macrorhiza variegata, in good condi-
tion. Mr W. Taylor, gardener to J. Yates, Esq., came second, showing in his
collection nice specimens of Littsea juncea, Encephalartos latifrons, Dion edule,
and Cycas revoluta, &c. Mr T. Baines was third with, amongst others, a grand

420 THE GARDENER. [Sept.

mass of Sarracenia purpurea, a large and well-grown Gleichenia Speluncfe, Croton
pictum, and Alocasia Veitchii, &c. Mr Faii'bairn was also first for six with good
specimens of Phcenix fariuifera, Anthurium cordifolium, Alocasia zebrina, Theo-
phrasta imperialis, Croton variegatum, and Cocos sp.

Of Orchids there was a fine display, occupying the usual position devoted for
their reception. First and foremost in the whole collection stood the eight sent
by Mr W. Archer, gardener to A. Turner, Esq., Leicester, consisting of Cattleya
Skinneri, a grand specimen, about 3 feet through, covered with its beautiful
rosy-purple flowers ; a large and well-bloomed Cattleya Mossice, with fine flowei's,
though rather pale in colour ; a magnificent Cypripedium barbatum, covered
with flowers too numerous for us to count ; a finely-coloured Lselia purpurata,
Saccolabium guttatum, with ten good spikes ; PhaliTenopsis grandiflora, with three
spikes of large flowers; and a well-floweredspecimen of the charming Odontoglos-
sum Pescatorei, &c. Mr Wilson, gardener to W. Marshall, Esq., Enfield, came second,
showing a very good Lselia purpurea, Cattleya Leopuldi, with one good spike ;
Aerides Larpentoe, a beautifully -flowered Odontoglossum Alexandrse, Cypri-
pedium Stonei, with two nice spikes ; and Dendrochilum filiforme, a small but
well-flowered specimen, remarkable for its gracefully drooping greenish-yellow
lace-like flowers. Mr B. Peed came third, showing in his collection a well-
grown Aerides odoratum, scai'cely forward enough ; a well-bloomed Oncidium
sessile, Cypripediums, &c. For six, the first prize was taken by Mr I. Hill, with,
amongst others, Cattleya Aclandise, Trichopilia tortilis, and Aerides Fieldingii,
charmingly-flowered, &c. Mr J. Wheeler had Oncidium leucochilum, with a
good spike about 5 feet long ; and good specimens of Odontoglossum hastila-
bium and Epidendrum atropurpureum. Mr J. Lawrence, gardener to the Bishop
of Winchester, Farnham Castle, showed a small plant of Trichopilia turialvse,
having fourteen beautifully whitish-yellow flowers distributed regularly around
the rim of the pot ; small nicely-flowered specimens of Odontoglossum caudatum
and Epidendrum vitellinum, and the curious " Turk's saddle " Acineta, A. sella
turcica. The best six in the nurserymen's class were furnished by Mr B. S.
Williams, who had a good well-clothed Sobralia macrantha, with nine good
blooms ; a fine Aerides odoratum majus, with sixteen spikes not yet fully ex-
panded ; and Saccolabium guttatum, with two fine spikes, &c. Messrs Jackson
& Son were second, contributing Dendrobium Dalhousianum, with one spike ;
Odontoglossum citrosmum, Epidendrum phoeniceum, and a nice spike of Onci-
dium obryzatum, &c. Mr Parker of Tooting was placed equal second with the
above ; in his collection were Cypripedium superbius, with four grand flowers ;
two good spikes of Oncidium divaricatum, and Lselia Brysiana, with five fine
flowers.

Ferns formed a very effective display. The best twelve in the nurserymen's
class came from Mr B. S. Williams, who had in his group excellent examples of
Todea Africana, Marattia elegans, a grand mass of Gleichenia Speluncse, Cibotium
Schiedei and princeps, and Lomaria gibba. Mr T. Baines stood first amongst
amateurs, with splendid bush-like masses of Gleichenia flabellata and Speluncse,
admirable specimens of Davallia bullata and tenuifolia, &c. In Mr W. Taylor's
second prize collection were nice specimens of Gymnogramma ochracea, Asp-
lenium Fabianum, Adiantum formosum, and Microlepia strigosa, &c. Mr A.
Wright was third. First for hardy British species came Messrs Ivery & Son,
Dorking, with a large and exceedingly well grown collection, comprising many
fine varieties of Athyrium Filix-foemina, Polystichum angulare, and Scolopend-
riums, &c.

1869.] HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. 421

The best group of plants arranged in flower-garden style was furnished by
Messrs E. G. Henderson, whose collection was tastefully set out on a gently
sloping bank, with a very pretty effect. The first and outer row consisted of
dwarf bushy plants of Guaphalium tomentosum ; next a line of blue Lobelias ;
then came a row of Coleus ; then a wider row of such plants as Centaureas,
Alternautheras, Sedums, Coleus, and Pelargoniums, arranged alternately in square
masses; in the fifth row the same arrangement was followed with Iresine, a fine
Heliotrope named Jersey Beauty, and other subjects ; and the whole was backed
up by a miscellaneous collection of greenhouse and bedding plants. Mr T. S.
AYare was second with a neatly arranged assortment of hardy plants, &c.

Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, and some other things were not of the finest quality ;
and of the new plants shown, the best has been already noticed in these columns.

There was, as there generally is, at the last exhibition of the Botanic Society,
a good show of fruit. The best collection came from Mr W. Millar, gardener to
Earl Craven, Combe Abbey, Coventry, this being the third year in succession Mr
Millar has taken this prize. The collection consisted of his very nice Queen
Pines ; fine dishes of Black Hamburg and Foster's white seedling Grapes,
Chichester Prize Melon, fine Royal George Peaches and Elruge Nectarines,
Waterloo cherries, and British Queen Strawberries. Mr Johnson, gardener to
the Marquis of Salisbury, was second with a fine Providence and a good Queen
Pine, Trentham Hybrid Melon, Black Hamburg and Tottenham Muscat Grapes,
Yiolette Hative Peaches, Elruge Nectarines, and a fine dish of La Constante
Strawberries. Of Pine- Apples, the best was a Providence, 6 lb. in weight, from
Mr Bailey, gardener to T. T. Drake, Esq., Shardaloes, Amersham. The best
Queen, which weighed 4^ lb., came from Mr J. "Ward, gardener to T. N. Miller,
Esq., Bishop Stortford. Mr "Ward also took the first prize for a fruit of any
other sort with a fine Prickly Cayenne, which weighed about 5 lb. ; Mr Bailey
being second with the same.

As usual there were plenty of Melons. The best scarlet-fleshed fruits were :
Standish's Perfection, Clarke's Hybrid, and Princess of "Wales, the prizes being
awarded in this order. The best green-fleshed were an unnamed variety shown
by ]\Ir B. S. "Williams, Holloway, and awarded the first prize, Hybrid Cashmere
and Queen Emma.

For Grapes, any variety, in quantity not less than 12 lb., the 1st prize was
taken by Mr Miller, Combe Abbey, with beautifully finished Black Hamburgs ;
and Mr Davies, Friern, Barnet, was second with good well-coloured bunches of
Muscat of Alexandria ; whilst certificates of commendation were bestowed on
Mr Henderson, of Cole Orton, who showed the Black Hamburg, and Messrs
Standish & Co., who contributed the Royal Ascot ; Mr C. Pioss, gardener to C.
Eyre, Esq., Welford Park, Mr G. Thomas, gardener to Mrs Child, Whetstone,
and Mr Osborn, Finchley, also exhibited good baskets of Black Hamburg. The
best single dish of the latter kind was sent by Mr Henderson, of Cole Orton, who
had three rather small bunches, but the berries were remarkably fine in size, well
coloured, and showing a spendid bloom ; Mr J. Douglas was second with very
fine examples, and the other prizes were taken by Mr Bannerman and Mr J.
Simpson. Messrs Standish & Co. stood first for Muscats with three nicely-
finished bunches of Muscat of Alexandria ; the same variety was shown by Mr
Kemp, gardener to the Duke of Northumberland, Albury Park, and Mr Bailey,
who took the second and third prizes respectively. The three bunches shown by
the latter exhibitor were very fine in size and shape, but were evidently not quite
ripe. Mr Bannerman was first for a single dish of Black Prince, with three good

422 THE GARDENER. [Sept.

bunches ; Mr 0. Goldsmith was second, and Mr Sage, gardener to Earl Howe,
Gopsall Hall, third. Mr W. Cole, gardener to J. S. Budgett, Esq., Ealing Park,
was first in the class for a single dish of any other kind, with Buckland Sweet-
water ; Mr Bannerman was second, with excellent examples of Grizzly Fron-
tignan ; and Mr Douglas third, with Buckland Sweetwater.

In the class for two dishes each of Peaches and Nectarines, distinct kinds, Mr
Miller of Combe Abbey, and Mr Jack, gardener to the Duke of Cleveland, Bat-
tle Abbey, were equal first, the latter having well-coloured Elruge and Violette
Hative Nectarines, and Royal George and Bellegarde Peaches, some of the latter
weighing 11 ounces ; the former showed Elruge and Oldenburg Nectarines,
and Grosse Miguonne and Royal George Peaches, in very fine condition. The
second prize was awarded to similar kinds exhibited by Mr G. Masters, gardener
to Earl Macclesfield, Tetsworth.

Of Cherries the best black kinds were Black Circassian, from Mr Turner ; Tar-
tarian, from Mr Hill, gardener, Poles, \yare, Herts ; and May Duke, from Mr J.
Budd, gardener to H. D. Barclay, Esq., Eastwick Park. Mr Hill was first for
Whites, Mr J. Hepper, and Mr W. Dobson, gardener to C. H. Mills, Esq., M.P.,
Sevenoaks, also contributed nice dishes.

For four varieties of Strawberries the first prize was taken by Mr J, Douglas,
who had very fine fruit of Sir Harry, President, Premier, and La Constanta.
Amongst miscellaneous subjects exhibited were four very nice Queen Pines from
Mr J, Hepper ; three good bunches of a handsome-looking Black Grape, named
Black Mammoth, from Mr Henderson, Cole Orton, were greatly admired. It was
said to be a seedling sent to this country from Australia by the late Mr Wood of
Nottingham. The bunches were nicely finished, berries large and oval, some-
what resembling the Black Morocco, though perhaps longer, and not quite so
bluntly ended as that variety. Messrs Standish & Co. exhibited the Royal Ascot
Grape growing in pots, trained on the umbrella fashion, averaging about six
bunches each. Mr B. S. Williams had a fine brace of Holloway Rival Cucum-
bers, and Mr Turner three fine fruits of the new sort named Blue Gown.

Royal Horticultural Society's Great Provincial Show at Manchester,
July 19th. — On another page will be found some general remarks relative to this
exhibition. Here it will suffice to indicate some of the leading prizes, and the
subjects staged in competition for them. As usual, there was the great circular
tent, with its central stage, having as its occupants the two collections of twenty
foliaged and flowering plants. Mr Baines, gardener to H. L. Nicholls, Esq., Bow-
den, was first — some way ahead of his opponent, Mr W. E. Dixon, Norwood Nur-
sery, Beverley. Mr Baines had a grand mass of Sarracenia purpurea, a large
and charmingly-flowered Darwinia (Hederonia) tulipifera, a very fine and well-
furnished specimen of Erica Fairrieana, about 4 feet through; a large and
well-coloured Alocasia metallica ; Franciscea confertiflora, a fair specimen, nicely
flowered, but pale in colour ; a large and finely-bloomed Bougainvillea glabra, ad-
mirable examples of Ixora coccinea, and Erica obbata ; a good specimen, well
coloured, of Croton variegatum, a fairly bloomed Allamanda cathartica, and a
magnificent mass of Gleichenia speluncae ; Mr W. E. Dixon, Norwood Nursery,
Beverley, showed an admirably grown and flowered Kalosanthes Madame Celeste
Winans, a good specimen of Erica jubata, a nicely-flowered Clematis Jackmani, a
large well-grown and bloomed Oacidium pulvinatum ; Aphelexis macrantha pur-
purea in good condition ; and Dasylirion glaucum, a well-furnished specimen ;
the rest were very moderate.

1869.] HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. 423

The only collection staged for the "Florist and Pomologist" prizes came from
Messrs Bell & Thoi'pe, Hallard Hall Nursery, Stretford Road, Manchester, who
had Achimenes Carl Walforth, a very fair specimen ; Petunia Miss Earle, a pretty
rose-coloured variety ; Plumbago capensis, and a medium-sized but handsome
plant of Lantana mutabilis. In the class for nine stove and greenhouse plant?.
Heaths included, Messrs E. Cole & Sons of the Withington Nurseries, near
Manchester, came first, with a very fine, large, and healthy specimen of Allamanda
nobilis, a splendid specimen of Kalosanthes Madame Celeste Winans, a very
good Erica Parmentieriana rosea, and a similarly good specimen of Allamanda
cathartica, &c. Mr J. Bolton, gardener to W. W. Worswick, Esq., Birstal Hall, Lei-
cester, came second, with, amongst others, a beautifully grown and flowered Clero-
deudron fallax, and a small but admirably-bloomed Rhynchospei mum jasminoides,
good examples of Vinca oculata and alba, and a fine specimen of Pentas carnea,
&c. Mr W. E. Dixon was third, showing another, good specimen of Oncidium
pulvinatum, and an exceedingly fine Kalosanthes, Louis Napoleon Bonaparte,
and some good Ericas. Mr B. S. Williams was first in the nurserymen's class
for nine fine foliaged plants with a remarkably fine group, consisting of Cordyline
indivisa, Croton variegatum and pictum, Cycas revoluta, Pandanus ornatus,
Dasylirion acrotrichum, &c., all very fine specimens ; Messrs Felton & Sons,
Birmingham, were second, with, amongst others, a large specimen of Sanchezia
nobilis, not sufficiently variegated, a large and very good Alocasia metallica,
Pandanus utilis Feltoni, and some very fair examples of Crotons, &c. ; and Mr
John Shaw was third with a collection of smaller plants, containing a small but
most beautifully furnished Agave filifera, a good Dractena Cooperi, Pandanus
ornatus, and a very handsome Yucca aloifolia, &c. Mr J. Bolton was first in the
amateurs' class for nine with a remarkably handsome Seaforthia elegans, and a well-
grown and finely-coloured Cissus discolor, Lycopodium caesium arboreum — a
beautiful pyramid, about 6 feet in height — and a large and good Croton angusti-
folium, &c. The first prize, offered by the city of Manchester, went to Mr W.
Cardwell, gardener to T. Hobsou, Esq., Pownhall Hall, Cheshire, who had a very
fine group, consisting of admirably grown examples of Erica Fairrieana and E.
ampullacea major, Ixora coccinea in fine condition, fine specimens of Croton
angustifolium and variegatum, a very good Alocasia Lowii, and Allamanda
cathartica, in first-rate order, &c. Mr AV. E. Dixon was second with a good bush
of Croton angustifolium, Phoenocoma prolifera Barnesii, a very fair specimen ;
Ixora amboynensis and alba, Vanda suavis, a tall specimen, beautifully furnished
with healthy leaves to the top of the pot, and having two nice spikes of bloom ;
and a finely-flowered Erica Parmentieriana rosea, &c. Mr John Shaw was third with
a very nice collection, in which were several fine Yuccas, a grand bush of Croton
variegatum, a good healthy specimen of Allamanda Hendersoni, nicely flowered ;
a large and handsome Rhopala corcovadense, and Phormium tenax variegatum, in
good condition. Messrs Cole & Sons took the prize offered by H. L. Micholls, Esq.,
for six miscellaneous plants, the collection to comprise three fine-foliaged and three
blooming plants, including two Ixoras. In this collection were Ixora Colei, white,
with good large trusses, and coccinea. Erica Paxtoni, a well-grown specimen,
about 3 feet through, a mass of bloom ; splendid specimens of Croton variegatum
and angustifolium, and a beautiful Yucca aloifolia variegata. Mr Baines, the
donor's own gardener, also competed with a fine group. In another class for eight
the first prize was taken by Mr J. Brierly, gardener to T. Kendal, Esq., Cheadle,
with a very good Erica venosa, and a wonderfully fine specimen of Allamanda
Hendersoni, an excellent Croton magnificum, and Bougainvillea glabra, &c. — the

424 THE GARDENER. [Sept.

latter, however, was only second-rate ; Mr W. Card well was second ; Mr Brierly was
also first for the prize offered by Edward Brooke, Esq., for ten, with fine specimens
of Erica Austiniana and Candolleana, a fine specimen of Theophrasta imperialis,
and admirable examples of Croton variegatura and Yucca aloifolia variegata, &c.
Mr J, Stevenson, l^ark Hill, Timperley, came second, showing in his collection a
remarkably fine specimen of Alocasia Jenningsii, a very good Pleroma elegans,
and a small plant, though covered with blooms, of Dipladenia crassinoda, and
Sanchezia nobilis, a fine specimen and well marked. Mr W. Cardwell took the
prize offered by JMessrs Cole & Sons for six Cape Heaths with a group of nicely-
flowered medium-sized specimens. The first prize in the class for Draceenas or
Cordylines was taken by Mr B. S. Williams with six handsome specimens, in-
cluding Dracaena Veitchii, cannrefolia, lineata, umbraculifera, atrosanguinea, &c.
Mr J. Shaw was second, and Messrs G. & W. Yates third, with smaller examples,
though in good condition. . Palms were not numerous, and the plants shown
small. Ferns were plentiful, though there was a marked absence of Tree Ferns ;
while of the usual Exotic Ferns the local amateur growers beat the nurserymen
hollow ; while the lot staged by Mr B, S. "Williams were a long way ahead of
those staged in competition with them. Lycopods were represented by the usual
kinds. Orchids were not numerous, but a few good specimens were shown,
such as Miltonia spectabilis, with eighteen finely-expanded and beautifully-marked
flowers ; vErides odoratum, with twelve very fine spikes ; Phalaenopsis grandiflora,
with remarkably fine flowers ; Cypripedium superbius, with very fine blooms ;
Saccolabium Blumei majus, with a finely-expanded spike about 18 inches long ;
S. prremorsum, yErides Lobbii, A. quinquevulnera, Odontoglossum Alexandra),
0. Bluntei, &c. &c.

In regard to the florists' flowers, there was a marked falling off in quality as
compared with the two previous exhibitions in the provinces. The first of the
special prizes for eight Fuchsias was taken by Mr R. Fleming, Sandkeys, Liverpool,
who bad finely grown and flowered pyramidal plants, but spoiled because they
had been tied out to so severely formal a shape. The sorts were Tristram Shandy,
Fair Oriana, Rose of Castille, Reine Cornelisson, La Crinoline, Reine Blanche, Mrs
Marshall, and Turban. The others were not worth notice. Strange to say, the
class for three Standard Fuchsias did not fill. Large-flowering Pelargoniums were
quite poor — poorly grown and bad in quality, with the exception of the varieties
staged by Mr C. Rylance, The Fancies were better grown, and consisted of Acme,
Evening Star, Ellen Beck, Musjid, Celestial, Undine, Illuminator, Sweet Lucy,
Godfrey, Turner, and Duchess of Buccleuch. Zonal and Nosegay Pelargoniums
made a very good display ; of the former, the best were Mons. G. Nachet, Mrs
William Paul, Excellent, Eugene Mezard, Softness, Clipper, Tintoret, St Fiacre,
Miss Martin, and Madame Vaucher ; of Nosegays, Amy Hogg, Profusion, Le
Grande, Baron Ricasoli, Indian Yellow, Startler, Black Dwarf, and Rose Ren-
datler.

Messrs G. & W. Yates's special prize of five guineas for the best six tricolor
Pelargoniums was taken by Mr M. Torkington, AVilmslow, with Sophie Du-
maresque, Mrs Dix, Florence, Countess of Craven, Queen's Favourite, and Prin-
cesse Clotilde, the first four belonging to the golden-edged, the latter to the silver-
edged section ; second, Mr J. Smith, gardener to G, H. K. Balstone, Esq., with
Edwinia Fitzpatrick, Sophia Cusack, very good ; Miss Watson, and Mrs Dix,
golden-edged ; and Beauty of Guestwick, and Italia Unita, silver-edged. These
were the largest plants, but, with the exception of Sophia Cusack, by no means
so well coloured. In the open class for six kinds, Messrs F. & A. Smith, Dulwich>

869.]

HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. 425

•were first with capital plants of Lady Cullum, Princess Teck, finely coloured, and
Earl of Shaftesbury, golden-edged ; and Imperatrice Eugdnie, Miss B. Coutts,
and Banshee, silver-edged. Mr J. Tomkins, Sparkhill, was second with Lady Cul-
lum, Sophia Cusack, Sophie Dumaresque, Beauty, and Miss Tomkins, golden-edged ;
and Italia Unita, silver-edged. The open class for six variegated Pelargoniums
brought together almost all the forms of vai'iegated Pelargoniums, usiug it in its
broadest sense. Mr Tomkins was placed first with Burning Bush, Flower of Spring,
Silver Star, Stella variegata, Oriana improved, and Miss Kingsbury. Second, Messrs
G. & W. Yates, with Sophie Dumai'esque, Lady Cullum, Sophia Cusack, Countess
of Craven, Florence, finely coloured, and Italia Unita. The class for three double-
flowering varieties was so well filled (there being six competing groups) that it
may be taken as suggestive of the double varieties coming to play an important
part in our exhibitions. Messrs Carter & Co. of London were first with three
nice medium-sized plants of Madame Lemoine, Wilhelm Pfitzer, and Gloire de
Nancy. Second, Messrs J. Standish, Ascot, with Marie Lemoine, Madame Lemoine,
and Triomphe. Third, Mr George Edward, York, with Capitaine I'Hermite, Gloire
de Nancy, and Triomphe de Thumesil.

The groups of hardy Conifers competing for the special prize silver cup were
objects of considerable interest, and were effectively grouped in the exhibition-
field, in the immediate neighbourhood of the great circular tent. Messi's
Barron & Son, of Elvaston Nurseries, were first with a fine lot, consisting of
Biota elegans, Sciadopitys verticillata, several handsome forms of Retinospora,
Cryptomeria elegans, Araucaria imbricata, Arthrotaxus taxifolia, Picea magnifica
glauca and P. nobilis, Larix Krempferi, Abies Hookeriana, A. Douglasii, and
others ; Thujopsis dolobrata, &c. Second, Mr John Shaw, Manchester. Messrs
R. & \V. Yates, and J. Standish & Co., also exhibited, while Messrs Barron &
Son, J. Shaw, and Standish & Co., also contributed groups of the rarer coniferous
plants, including some new forms of great beauty. Messrs Barron & Son were
first with six Hollies in competition for the special prizes given by the proprietors
of the Manchester Guardian, The kinds were Ilex aquifolia aurea major, aurea
vestita, nana aurea, Donningtoniensis, elegantissima, and medio-picto alba. Mr
Shaw was awarded the Manchester Courier special prize for ten deciduous trees
or shrubs, having Betula alba pendula, Quercus cerris variegata, Quercus pedun-
culata nigra, Deutzia crenata fl. -pi., Ulmus campestris aurea, Acer polymorphum
dissectum, fol. var., Cornus mascula variegata, Quercus robur aurea, Quercus
robur concordia, and Viburnum Lantana variegatum. Mr John Shaw was also
first with a pair of standard Hollies, showing Ilex aquifolia nana aurea, also with a
pair of Golden Yews, showing Taxus elegantissimus, and with a pair of pyrami-
dal Box-trees having Boxus variegata ; while Mr B. S. Williams, Holloway, was
first with a pair of standard Bays.

Cut blooms of Carnations and Picotees were nearly as numerous as at Leicester
last year, though one might have supposed that the Manchester district being to
some extent the northern home of the Carnation and Picotee, these flowers would
have been much more largely represented. In classes 89, with twenty-four Carna-
tions, and 90, with twenty-four Picotees, Mr C. Turner, Slough, had grand flowers,
and both in size and substance of the blooms, as well as in their fine colouring,
so completely distanced the rival collections as to be without the pale of compari-
son. Of the former he had Flora's Garland, William Cowper, Rifleman, Di'ead-
nought, Prince Albert, Premier, Samuel Moreton, Anthony Dennis, Florence
Nightingale, Nymph, Sportsman, Squire Trow, Princess Royal, Lord Rancliffe,
King John, Duke of York, Captain Stott, Eccentric Jack, Brutus, Merrimac,

426 THE GARDENER. [Sept.

James Merryweatlier, Anuihilator, Touchstone, and John Bayley. Mr George
Edward, York, was second, the best flowers being John lleet. Vivid, Earl of
Stamford, Mi-s Edward, Beauty, Napoleon, True Blue, Miss Lucy, Brilliant,
Delicata, and Lord RanclifFe. Of Picotees, Mr Turner had very fine flowers of
Admiration, a very beautiful new bright purple heavy-edged flower of fine qual-
ity ; Lord Nelson, ]\Irs Fisher, Prince of Wales, Amy Robsart, Green's Queen,
Charmer, Lucy, Col. Clerk, Bridesmaid, Mrs Norman, Miss Drake, Lord Valentia,
Ganymede, Miss Wood, Countess, Gipsy Queen, Picco, Miss Turner, Rev. H.
]\Latthews, Forester, Flower of the Day, a heavy rose-edged seedling in the
way of Green's Queen, but darker, and another light-edged seedling-flower. Mr
George Edward was second with some flowers of inferior quality. In the classes
for amateur growers there was no competition. The first of the special prizes
off'ered by Mr Broome for twelve Carnations and Picotees, was also taken by Mr
Turner, who had of the former Captain Stott, King John, Dreadnought, Sports-
man, Eccentric Jack, and Favourite ; and of Picotees, Miss Turner, a pretty new
medium light rose-edged flower ; Miss Drake, Lord Valentia, Admiration, Mrs
Norman, and Miss Wood. Second, Mr George Edward. In the class for twelve
Pinks, Mr J. Mellor, Stamford Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, produced a stand of
true northern flowers, each flower having been reduced to two circles of petals,
which were very pure and exquisitely laced, but the flowers appear very unna-
tural notwithstanding. The varieties were John Ball, Emily, Robin Hood, Jane,
Emma, Auricula, Earl Stamford, Defiance, Bertha, Champion, Arlette, and Unity.
Two other collections were staged, but the judges withheld any awards to them.

With cut blooms of Verbenas, Mr C. J. Perry, Castle Bromwich, and Mr C.
Turner, were found in competition. The latter certainly had the biggest bunches,
but the superb quality of Mr Perry's flowers gained the first prize. They were :
Shakespeare, j\Iodel, Geant des Batailles, Edwin Day, rich bright orange scarlet ;
Annie, Lord Leigh, Butterfly, a beautiful new variety, blush, with crimson
centre ; Joseph Sanders, rich crimson, with lemon eye ; Mrs Reynolds Hole, and
Rising Sun, glowing salmon red, with small white eye surrounded by a rich deep
maroon ring, one of the most striking varieties Mr Perry has ever raised. Dififor-
ing from these, in Mr Turner's stand, who was awarded the second prize, were
King of Verbenas, Leah, Nemesis, J. C. Ward, Samuel Moreton, John Wilson,
Foxhunter, and Chastity.

Cut Roses were a grand feature, and made a charming display along the south
side of the fruit tent. In the nurserymen's class for forty-eight varieties, ]\Ir J,
Cranston, Hereford, was first with some splendid blooms of the following Hybrid
Perpetuals : — Alfred Colomb, Alice Dureau, Antoine Ducher, Beauty of Waltham,
Caroline de Sansal, Charles Lefebvre, Claude Millon, Corate de Nunteuil, Com-
tesse de Chabrillant, Dr Andry, Due de Rohan, Due de Wellington, Duchesse de
Caylus, Felix Genero, Fisher Holmes, Horace Vernet, Joseph Fiala, Josephine de
Beauharnais, La Duchesse de Morny, La France, Ltelia, Laurent Descourt, Leo-
pold I., Lord Herbert, Lord Macaulay, Madame la Baronne de Rothschild, Madame
Boutin, Madame Charles Crapelet, Madame Charles Verdier, Madame Charles
Wood, Madame Furtado, Madame Victor Verdier, Madame William Paul, Mdlle.
Marguerite Dombrain, Marechal Vaillant, Marguerite de St Amand, Maurice Ber-
nardin, Paul Verdier, Pierre Notting, Prince Camille de Rohan, Prince Henri des
Pays Bas, Reine du Midi, Sophie Coquerelle, and Xavier Olibo ; and the following
Tea Roses : Gloire de Dijon, La Boule d'Or, Marechal Niel, and Madame Mar-
gottin. Second, Mr C. Turner, having fine examples of Madame C. Joigneaux,
Gabriel de Peyronny, Madame George Paul, King's Acre, Marie Baumann, La

1869.] HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. 427

Dachesse de Morny, Prince of Wales, Beauty of Waltham, Mdlle. Annie Wood,
Lord Herbert, Charles Rouillard, Alfred Colomb, Madame Vidot, and Prince
Canaille de Rohan, Baron Gonella, Hybrid Bourbon ; and the following Tea Roses :
Madame Willermoz and Alba Rosea. Third, Messrs S. Perkins & Sou, Coventry.
In the amateurs' class for the same number, the Rev. S. Reynolds Hole, Caunton
Manor, Newark, was first with a very fine lot of flowers, consisting of Marechal
Vaillant, Comte de Nanteuil, Antoine Ducher, Miss Ingram, Madame Victor Ver-
dier, Madame Furtado, Black Prince, Madame Caillat, Gloire de Santenay, Mons.
Noman, Mdlle. A. Wood, Marechal Niel, Dr Andry, Madame Vidot, Senateur
Vaisse, Caroline de Sansal, Vicomte Vigier, Gloire de Dijon, Maurice Bernardin,
Madame C Joigneaux, Lord Raglan, Princess Mary of Cambridge, Abbe Berleze,
Centifolia rosea, Leopold I., Charles Rouillard, Laurent Descourt, Madame
Bravy, Charles Wood, Exposition de Brie, Madame Charles Crapelet, Comtesse
de Chabrillant, Madame Hector Jacquin, Charles Margottin, Alfred Colomb,
Madame Rivers, John Hopper, Marguerite de St Amand, Prince Henri des Pays
Bas, Lord Herbert, Marie Baumann, Auguste Mie, and others which had lost their
labels. Mr J. C. Perry, Castle Bromwbieh, was second with fine flowers of the
following, among others, Senateur Vaisse, Horace Vernet, Alpaide de Rotalier,
Baronne de Noirmont, Leopold I., Lord Clyde, Auguste Mie, Pierre Notting,
Madame Rival, Xavier Olibo, Charles Lefebvre, Beauty of Waltham, Gloire de
Vitry, Baron Gonella, and La Reiue. Third, Mr Draycott, gardener to T, T.
Paget, Esq., Humberstone, near Leicester. The Rev. Mr Hole was also first in
Classes 98, 99, and 100, in the former with twenty-four varieties — viz., Black
Prince, Madame Furtado, Mardchal Vaillant, La Tour de Crouy, Leopold I., Anna
de Diesbach, Charles Lefebvre, John Hopper, Due de Rohan, Marguerite de St
Amand, Mdlle. Marie Rady, Marechal Niel, Lord Raglan, Madame Knorr, Alfred
Colomb, Charles Rouillard, Piince Henri des Pays Bas, Triomphe de Rennes,
Vicomte Vigier, Miss Ingram, Madame Clemence Joigneaux, Pierre Nottirg,
Monsieur Neman, and Comte de Nanteuil. Second, Mr C. J. Perry, the best
flowers being La France, Alice Bureau, Jules Margottin, Madame Fillion, Semi-
ramis, Comte de Nanteuil, and Francois Lacharme. The twelve shown by Mr
Hole contained Black Prince, Marechal Niel, Marechal Vaillant, Madame Bravy,
Lord Herbert, Comtesse de Chabrillant, Charles Lefebvre, Madame Furtado, Leo-
pold I., Madame Vidot, Vicomte Vigier, and Monsieur Neman. Mr C. J. Perry was
second, and had good blooms of Beauty of Waltham, Marechal Niel, Horace Ver-
net, and General Jacqueminot. The Rev. Mr Hole's six consisted of Charles
Lefebvre, Marechal Niel, Alfred Colomb, Marechal Vaillant, La Duchesse de
Morny, and Dr Andry.

Class 101 was for twelve new Roses sent out in 1866, 1867, or 1868. Mr J.
Cranston, Hereford, was first with good examples of Monsieur Neman, President
Willermoz, Horace Vernet, Napoleon L, La France, and Duchesse d'Aoste, Hybrid
Perpetuals ; and the following Bourbon and Tea Roses : Miss Ingram, Lladame
Margottin, Monsieur Furtado, Madame Marie, Cirodde, President Willermoz,
Souvenir de Mons. Boll, La France, Duchesse d'Aoste, Madame La Baronne de
Rothschild, Paul Verdier, Horace Vernet, very fine ; Imperatrice Charlotte,
Antoine Ducher, and Mrs Ward, all Hybrid Perpetuals, and Jean Sisley, a fine
new Tea Rose. Second, Mr C. Turner, with Comtesse de Jaucourt, Mrs John
Berners, President Willermoz, Monsieur Neman, Horace Vernet, Napoleon I., La
France, and Duchesse d'Aoste, Hybrid Perpetuals ; Miss Ingram, Hybrid Bourbon;
and Madame Margottin, Monsieur Furtado, and Clotilde, Tea-scented varieties.
Third, Messrs S. Perkins & Son.

428

THE GARDENER.

[Sept.

The first of the special prizes given by Edward Joynson, Esq., for eighteen cut
Roses (amateurs), was also taken by the Rev. S. E. Hole, who had fine blooms of
Victor Yerdier, ]\Iardchal Vaillant, Triomphe de Rennos, Prince Camille de Rohan,
Comtesse de Chabrillaut, Black Prince, Devoniensis, Leopold I., Charles Rouil-
lard, Madame Victor Verdier, Mar^chal Niel, Dr Andry, Madame Th^rese Levet,
Madame C. Joigneaux, Louise Magnan, Madame Hector Jacquin, Due de Rohan,
Monsieur de Montigny, &c. Second, Mr Thomas Draycott. Third, Mr C. J.
Perry.

The first of the special prizes, given by H. Birley, Esq., M.P,, for eight varieties
of cut flowers, was taken by Messrs E. Cole & Sons, who had Ixora coccinea, I. Colei,
Kalosanthes puniceus, Eucharis amazonica, Allamanda grandiflora. Erica venosa,
Dipladenia crassinoda, and D. amabilis. To fill out the stand, the exhibitors ex-
hibited further four other kinds of Ixoras — viz., javanica, amboynensis, Alexandra,
resembling an orange form of L amboynensis, spotted with crimson, and salicifolia;
Messrs G-. & W. Yates were second with an Amaryllis, Crinum giganteum,
Cattleya Loddegesii, Gardenia Fortunei, and others, badly staged in a common
deal box ; Mr S. Barlow, Chadderton, who had arranged his group in an orna-
mental flower-pot, was third.

We have just space to remark of the fruit that it was on a par with
the July exhibitions of the Royal Botanic Society at the Regent's Park.
In Grapes the Black Hamburgs were in many cases excellent. The White
Grapes, especially the Muscats, were unripe. Pines were pretty numerous, but
nothing more can be said of them, for in quality they were like what we
generally see on such occasions. Strawberries were numerous and fine. The
collections of vegetables were very abundant, and of fine quality and cultivation.
At a considerable sacrifice of space we give the list of prizes, from which our
readers will learn who had the most meritorious productions on the occasion.

WE ANNEX A FULL LIST OF THE PRIZES.

Class 1— For the best and most effec-
tive Group of 20 Plants (Prizes offered by
the Royal Horticultural Society and Man-
chester Botanical and Horticultural So-
ciety)—!. Mr T. Baines, gardener to H.
L. Micholls, Esq., Summerfiekl, Bowden,
Cheshire, £25 ; 2. Mr W. E. Dixon, Nor-
wood Nxirsery, Beverley, Yorkshire, £15.

Class 2 — For the best Collection of
Fruits and Vegetables (Prize offered by
the Proprietors of Gardeners' Chronicle)
— 1. Mr J. Pottle, gardener to R. D. Col-
vin, Esq., Bealing's Grove, Woodbridge,
Suffolk, £21,

Class 3 — For the 2 best Desserts, con-
sisting of not less than 7 kinds of Fruits
of 1869 (Prizes offered by the Proprietors
of the Joitrnal of Horticulture) — 1. Mr W.
Carmichael, gardener to H.R.H. the
Prince of Wales, Sandringham, £10, 10s.;
equal, Mr J. Wallis, gardener to J. Dix-
on, Esq., Astle Park, Congleton, £10, 10s.

Class 4 — For the best 4 Softwood
Greenhouse Plants (Prizes offered by the

Proprietors of Florist and Pomologist) —

1. Messrs Bell k Thorpe, Nurserymen,
Stratford-on-Avon, 6 vols., forming the
second series of the Florist and Pomolo-
gist.

Class 5— For 10 Dishes of Fruit, 8 dis-
tinct varieties (Prizes offered by the
Mayor of Manchester and Mr Peter
Bailey) — 1. Mr G. S, Miles, gardener to
Lord Carrington, Wycombe Abbey, £10,
10s. ; 2. Mr W. S. Dobson, 19 St James's
Street, London, £5, 5s.

Class 6 — For 12 Miscellaneous Plants
(Prizes offered by the City of Manchester)
— ], Mr W. Cardvvell, gardener to T.
Hobson, Esq., Wilmslow, Cheshire, £12,
12s, ; 2. Mr W. E. Dixon, nurseryman,
Beverley, £8, 8s.

Class 7— For 6 Dishes of Fruit, distinct
(Prizes offered by Lady Watts) — 1. Mr
J. Simpson, gardener to Lord Wharn-
cliffe, Wortley Hall, Sheflaeld, £6, 6s. ;

2. Mr J, WalU-s, £4, 4s.

Class 8— For 10 Orchids (Prizes offered

1869.]

HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS.

429

by Mrs Mendel and W, C. Jones, Esq.)—
1. Mr W. Archer, gardener to A. Turner,
Esq., Leicester, £10, 10s. ; 2. Mr W.
Swan, gardener to T. Jones, Esq., Whal-
ley Range, Manchester.

Class 9 — For 10 Fine-Foliaged or Varie-
gated Plants (Prize offered by Horatio
L. Micholls, Esq.)— 1, Mr J. Stevenson,
Timperley, Cheshire, £10, 10s.

Class 10 — For 10 Miscellaneous Plants
— 5 blooming and 5 fine-foliaged (Prizes
offered by Edward Brooke, Esq., and L.
Hanmer, Esq.) — 1. Mr J. Brierley, gar-
dener to T. Kendal, Esq. , Cheadle, £10,
10s. ; 2. Mr J, Stevenson, Timperley^
£5, 5s.

Class 11 — For 20 Hardy Conifers, dis-
tinct (Prizes offered by Thomas Ashton^
Esq., and H. K. Belstone, Esq.)—!.
Messrs W. Barron & Son, Elvaston Nur-
series, Derby, £10, 10s. ; 2. Mr J. Shaw,
£5, 5s.

Class 12 — For 12 Evergreens, distinct
(Prizes offered by Edward Nathan, Esq.,
and Thomas Jones, Esq.) — 1. Messrs W.
Barron & Son, £10, 10s. ; 2. Mr J. Shaw,
£5, is.

Class 13 — For 6 Hollies, distinct (Prizes
offered by the Proprietors of Manchester
Guardian) — 1. Messrs W. Barron & Son,
£6, 6s. ; 2. Mr J. Shaw, £4, 4s.

Class 14 — For 8 Miscellaneous Plants —
4 blooming and 4 fine-foliaged (Prizes
offered by Mr J. Stevenson)— 1. Mr J.
Brierley, £6, 6s. ; 2. Mr W. Cardwell,
£4, 4s.

Class 15 — For 8 Fuchsias, distinct
(Prizes offered by John Rylands, Esq.,
and Mr John Shaw)— 1. Mr R. Fleming,
Sandheys, Liverpool, £5, 5s. ; 2. Mr G.
Edwards, King Street, York, £3, 3s.

Class 16— For 20 British Ferns, dis-
tinct (amateurs) (Prizes offered by Mr
Henry Crowe, and Messrs Barber Bro-
thers— 1. E. J. Lowe, Esq., F.R.S., Bee-
ston, near Nottingham, £5, 5s. ; 2. J. E.
Mapplebeck, Esq., Moseley, near Bir-
mingham.

Class 17 — For 4 Exotic Ferns, distinct
(Prizes offered by Mrs Samuel Taylor and
Messrs Barber Brothers) — 1. Mr W. Card-
well, £5, 5s.

Class 18 — For 6 Orchids, distinct
(amateurs) (Prizes offered by Messrs
James Brooke k Co., and William South-

ern, Esq.)— 1. Mr E. Mitchell, gardener
to Dr Ainsworth, Broughton, £5, 5s.; 2.
Mr Swan, gardener to T. Jones, Esq.,
Whalley Range, £2, 12s. 6d.

Class 19— For 6 Variegated Zonal (Tri-
color) Pelargoniums, distinct (amateurs)
(Prizes offered by Messrs G. & W. Yates
and William Southern, Esq.)— 1. Mr M.
Torkington, Wilmslow, £5, 5s. ; 2. Mr
Smith, gardener to H. K. Balstone, Esq.,
Altrincham, £2, 12s. 6d.

Class 20 — For 6 Cape Heaths, distinct
(Prizes offered by Messrs E. Cole &
Sons, and Messrs Johnson & Fildes) — 1.
Mr W. Cardwell, £5, 5s.

Class 21 — For 6 Lilium Auratum
(Prizes offered by Sir James Watts) — 1,
Messrs G. & W. Yates, Manchester, £3,
3s. ; 2. Mr E. Mitchell, £2, 2s.

Class 22 — For 6 Bunches of Grapes,
Black and White (Prizes offered by Mr
Thomas Baines, and Messrs Johnson &
Fildes— 1. Mr W. Freeman, gardener to
the Earl of Derby, K.G., Knowsley, Pres-
cot, £5, 5s. ; 2. Mr R. Janson, gardener to
T. Statter, Esq., Stand, near Manchester,
£2, 12s. 6d.

Class 23 — For 6 Zonal Pelargoniums
(Prizes offered by Thomas Jones, Esq.) —
1. Mr E. Bridge, gardener to S. Jorratt,
Esq., Greenhill, Liverpool, £3, 3s. ; 2. Mr
J. Woollam, gardener to Major Blundeall,
Crosby Hall, Liverpool, £2, 2s.

Class 24— For 1 dish of Peaches and 1
dish of Nectarines (Prizes offered by
Charles Durham, Esq.)— 1. Mr W. Tillery,
gardener to Duke of Portland, Welbeck
Abbey, Worksop, £3, 3s. ; 2. Mr J.
Wallis, £2, 2s.

Class 25 — For 6 Pines (Prizes offered
by Messrs Armitage & Rigby, and Abin
Haworth, Esq.)— 1. Mr R. H. Smith, gax--
dener to H. Walker, Esq., Calderstone,
near Liverpool, £5, 5s. ; 2. Mr G. Ward,
gardener to T. N. Miller, Esq., Bishop
Stortford, £3, 3s. ; 3. Mr Simpson, £2, 2s.

Class 26 — For 12 Carnations and Pico-
tees, 6 of each (Prizes offered by

Broome, Esq.)— 1, Mr C. Turner, Royal
Nurseries, Slough, £2, 10s. ; 2. Mr G.
Edwards, King Street, York, £1, 10s,

Class 27 — For 10 Deciduous Trees or
Shrubs, in or out of Bloom (Prize of-
fered by the Proprietors of Mancliester
Courier)—!. Mr S. Shaw, £2, 12s. 6d.

430

THE GARDENER.

[Sept.

Class 28— For 6 New and Rare Plants
(Prizes offered by Messrs Thomas Ag-
new & Son, and Proprietors of Manches-
ter Examiner and Times) — 1. Messrs J.
Veitch & Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery,
Chelsea, London. S.W., £5.

Class 29— For 1 pair of Standard Hol-
lies (Pri::es offered by Mr William Grim-
shaw) — 1. Mr J. Shaw, £2.

Class 30 — For 6 Miscellaneous Plants, 3
fine-foliaged and 3 blooming, including
2 Ixoras (Prize offered by Henry L,
Micholls, Esq.)— 1. Mrs E. Cole & Sons,
Nurserymen, Withington, Manchester,
£5, 5s.

Class 31 — For 1 pair Golden Yews
(Prizes offered by Mr William Grimshaw,
and A. B. Woodcock, Esq.) — 1. Messrs W.
Barron & Son, £2 ; 2. Mr J. Shaw, £1.

Class 32 — For Vase Epergue or Centre
Piece for Table (Prize offered by William
Wilson, Esq., and Mr John Shaw — 1. Mr
R. S. Yates, Sale, Cheshire, £3; 2, Mr
G. Oilier, gardener to Mrs Wood, Row-
don, £2; 3. Mr W. S. Dobson, £1.

Class 33 — For 1 pair Standard Bay
Trees (Prizes offered by Benjamin Whit-
worth, Esq.)— 1. MrB. S. Williams, £2;
2. Mr W. MacMillan, £1.

Class 34— For 2 Bouquets for the Hand,
one for a Bride, one for a Ball (Prizes
offered by Mrs Abel Heywood) — 1. Mr
G. Oilier, £2, 23. ; 2. Mr J. Bolton, gar-
dener to W. W. Warswick, Esq., Leices-
ter, £1, lis. 6d,

Class 35 — For a pair Pyramidal Box
Trees (Prizes offered by Henry Stubbs,
Esq.)— 1. Mr J. Shaw, £2, 2s.; Mr T.
Stafford, £1, Is.

Class 36 — For 2 Bouquets for the Hand,
one for a Bride, the other for a Ball
(Prizes offered by Edward Behrens, Esq.)
—1. Mr W. H. Turner, West Derby,
Liverpool, £2, 2s. ; 2. Mr W. Turner, St
John's Market, Liverpool, £1, lis. 6d.

Class 37^For 18 Cut Roses, trusses,
distinct (amateurs) (Prizes offered by Ed-
ward Joynson, Esq.) — 1. Rev, S. R. Hole,
Caunton Manor, Newark, Notts, £2, 2s. ;
2. Mr T. Draycott, gardener to T. T.
Paget, Esq., Leicester, £1, lis. 6d.

Class 38— For 12 Dishes of Vegetables,
distinct (Prizes offered by Sir James
Watts, and Messrs Thomas Green & Son)

— 1. Mr W. Lumsden, Bloxholm HalJ,
Sleaford, £5, 5s. ; 2. Mr J. Smith, gar-
dener to H, K. Balstono, Esq., Altrin-
cham, £3, 3s. ; 3. Mr J. Stevenson,
£2, 2s.

Class 39— For 10 Dishes of Vegetables,
distinct (Prizes offered by Arthur H.
Heywood, Esq., and Proprietors of Man-
chester Examiner and Times, and Mr John
Shaw— 1. Messrs T. Snowden & Sons^
Thirsk, York, £4, 4s. ; 2. Mr T. B. Bailey,
gardener to T. T, Drake, Esq., Amcr-
sham, £2, 12s. 6d. ; 3. Mr W. Cragg, Tim-
perley, Cheshire, £1, Is.

Class 40 — For 8: Dishes of Vegetables,
distinct (Prizes offered by John Radcliff,
Esq., and Benjamin Whitworth, Esq.) —
1. Mr C. Frisby, gardener to H. Chaplin,
Esq., Sleaford, £3, 3s. ; 2. Mr J. Smith,
Altrincham, Cheshire, £2, 2s.

Class 41 — For 6 Dishes of Vegetables,
distinct (Prizes offered by Proprietors of
Manchester Courier, and Henry Stubbs,
Esq., and Benjamin Whitworth, Esq.) —
1. J\[r C. Frisby, £2, 128. 6d. ; 2. Mr J.
Smith, gardener to H. K. Balstone, Esq.,
Altrincham, £2, 2s.

Class 42 — For 4 Dishes of Vegetables,
distinct (Prizes offered by J, Carlton, Esq.,
and Hugh Birley, Esq., M.P.)— 1. Mr D.
Lumsden, £2, 2s. ; 2. Mr W. Brownhill,
gardener. Sale, Cheshire, £1, Is.

Class 43 — For 2 Bunches of Black Ham-
burg Grapes (Prizes offered by Messrs
W. G. Galloway & Co.)— 1. Mr W. Wool-
ley, gardener to W, Jackson, Esq., Birk-
enhead, £2, 2s. ; 2. Mr W. Jones, gardener
to S. K. Mainwaring, Esq., Ellesmere,
£1, 10s. ; 3. Mr W. Freeman, gardener to
Earlof Derby, £1, 5s.

Class 44 — For 1 Pine Apple, any Variety
(Prizes offered by Richard Howarth, Esq.,
and Arthur H. Haywood, Esq.) — ]. Mr G.
Ward, £2, 2s. ; 2. Mr H. Clarke, £1, Is.

Class 45 — For 8 Varieties of Cut Flowers
(Prizes offered by Hugh Birley, Esq.,
M.P.)— 1. Mrs E. Cole & Sons, 12s.; 2.
Mr R. S. Yates, 9s.

Class 46 — For 4 Palms (Prizes offered
by the Council of Manchester Botanical
and Horticultural Society) — 1. Mr A.
Williams, gardener to G. Brown, Esq.,
Fallowfield, £5 ; 2. Mr W. E. Dickson,
£3 ; 3. Mr J. Shaw, Bowden, Cheshire, £2.

1869.]

HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS.

431

GENERAL PRIZE-LIST.

FLOWERS AND PLANTS.

Class 48 — 6 Stove or Greenhouse Plants,
Heaths included, distinct (open) — 1. Mrs
E. Cole & Sons, £5 ; 2. Mr J. Bolton, £3;
3. Mr W. E. Dixon, £2.

Class 49 — 6 Stove or Greenhouse Plants,
Heaths included, distinct (amateurs) — 1.
Mr J. Stevenson, £5 ; 2. Mr J. Bolton,
£4.

Class 50 — 9 Fine-Foliaged or Variegated
Plants, distinct (amateurs) — 1. Mr J.
Bolton, £7.

Class 51 — 9 Fine-Foliaged or Variegated
Plants, distinct (nurserymen) — 1. Mr B.
S. Williams, Upper Holloway, London,
£7 ; 2. Messrs Felton & Sons, Birming-
ham, £5 ; 3. Mr J. Shaw, £3 ; 4. Mr W.
E. Dixon, £2.

Class 52 — G Fine-Foliaged or Variegated
Plants, distinct (amateurs)— 1 . Mr G. Elkin,
gardener to T. H. Birley, Esq., Manches-
ter, £4 ; 2. Mr C. Phillips, gardener to
A. H. Hey wood, Esq., Manchester, £3;
3. Mr J. Wool lam, £2.

Class 53 — 6 Exotic Orchids, distinct,
in flower (amateurs) — 1. Mr J. Orme,
gardener to W. C. Bird, Esq., Manchester,
£5; 2. Mr W. Swan, £4; 3. Mr E.
Mitchell, £3 ; 4. Mr S. Allen, the Grange,
Dedsbury, Manchester.

Class 54 — 6 Exotic Orchids, distinct,
in flower (nurserymen) — 1. Mr B. S.
Williams, £5 ; 2. Mr W. E. Dixon, £3 ;
3. Mr J. Shaw, £2.

Class 55 — 6 Palms, not fewer than three
kinds (open)— 1. Mr J. Shaw, £5; 2.
Messrs G. & W. Yates, £4 ; ^3. Mr T.
Stafford, Hyde, near Manchester, £3.

Class 56 — 6 Fuchsias, distinct, in flower,
in 8-inch pots . (amateurs) — 2. Mr T.
Gresty, gardener to R. Voss, Esq., Fal-
iowfield, £3 ; 3. Mr J. Woollam, £2 ; 4.
Mr J. Lowe, gardener to W. Bindley,
Esq., Manchester, £1.

Class 59 — 6 Show Pelargoniums, dis-
tinct, in flower (open) — 1. Mr E. Bridge,
£5 ; 2. Mr C. Rylands, Aughton, near
Ormskirk, £4; 3. Mr R. Fleming, Sand-
heys, Waterloo, Liverpool, £2.

Class 60 — 6 Fancy Pelargoniums, dis-
tinct, in flower (open) — 1. Mr C. Rylance,
£5; equal, Mr E. Bridge, £5; 2. Mr R.
Fleming, £4.

2

Class 61 — 6 Zonal Pelargoniums, di.'?-
tinct, in flower, of any colour, excluding
Variegated sorts (amateurs)— 1. Mr E.
Bridge, £5; 2. Mr R. Fleming, £4; 3.
Mr J. Smith, £2.

Class 62—6 Zonal Pelargoniums, dis-
tinct, in flower, of any colour, excluding
Variegated sorts (nurserymen) — 1. Mr C.
Rylance, £5; 2. Messrs Bell & Thorpe,
Stratford-on-Avon, £4 ; 3. Messrs G. &
W. Yates, £2.

Class 63—6 Nosegay Pelargoniums, in
flower, distinct, of any colour (open) —

1. Mr E. Bridge, £5 ; 2. Messrs Bell &
Thorpe, £4 ; 3. Mr G. Edwards, £2.

Class 64—3 Double-Flowering Pelargo-
niums, distinct, in flower (open)— 1. Messrs
J. Carter & Co., Forest Hill, S.E., £3;

2. Mr J. Standish & Co., Ascot, £2 ; 3.
Mr G. Edwards, £1.

Class 65—6 Variegated Pelargoniums,
distinct (open)— 1. Mr J. Tomkins, nur-
seryman, Birmingham, £3 ; 2. Messrs G.
& W. Yates, £2; 3. Messrs Bell & Thorpe,
£1.

Class 6Q—Q Variegated Zonal Pelargo-
niums, distinct (open)— 1. Messrs F. & A.
Smith, Dulwich, £3 ; 2. Mr J. Tomkins,
£2; 3. Mr J. Smith, £1.

Class 70 — 3 Gloxinias, distinct, in
flower (amateurs)—!. Mr J. Price, gar-
dener to G. Taylor, Esq., Broughton,
Manchester.

Class 74—6 Dracsenas or Cordylines,
distinct (open)— 1. Mr B. S. Williams,
£2 ; 2. Mr J. Shaw, £1, 10s. ; 3. Messrs
G. & W. Yates, £1.

Class 75—9 Exotic Ferns, distinct (nur-
serymen)—!. Mr B. S. Williams, £4; 2.
Messrs G. & W. Yates, £3 ; 3. Mr T.
Stafford, £2 ; 4. Messrs W. & J. Birken-
head, nurserymen, Sale, Cheshire.

Class 76—9 Exotic Ferns, distinct (ama-
teurs)—!. Mr J. Bolton, £4; 2. Mr T.
Baines, £3 ; 3. Mr C. Phillips, £2 ;
E. J. Lowe, Esq., F.R.S., £1.

Class 77—12 British Ferns, distinct
(open)— 1. J. E. Mapplebeck, Esq., £3;
2. Mr C. Rylance, £2; 3. E. J. Lowe,
Esq., F.R.S., £1 ; 4. Messrs A. Stansfield
& Sons, nurserymen, Todmorden, 15s.

Class 78— A pair of Tree Ferns- 1. Mr
B. S. Williams, £1, 10s, ; 2. Mr J. Shaw,
£1.

432

THE GARDENER.

[Sept.

Class 79— 6 Lycopodiums, distinct(open)
—1. Mr R. Fleming, £3; 2. Mr J. Elkin,
£2 ; 3. Mr J. Price, £1 ; Mr C. Rylance,
10s.

Class 80—6 Double-flowered Petunias,
distinct, in flower (open)— 1. Messrs Bell
& Thorpe, £2.

Class 81—6 Single-flowered Petunias,
distinct, in flower (open) — 1. Messrs Bell
& Thorpe, £2 ; 2. Mr C. Rylance, £1.

Class 82 — 12 Succulents, distinct (open)
—1. Mr T. Stafford, £2 ; 2. Mr J. Shaw,
£1.

Class 85—6 Phloxes, distinct, in 12-inch
pots (open) — 1. Mr J. Walker, £2.

Class 89 — 24 Carnations, distinct, cut
blooms (nurserymen) — 1. Mr C. Turner,
£2 ; 2. Mr G. Edwards, £1.

Class 90 — 24 Picotees, distinct, cut
blooms (nurserymen) — 1. Mr C. Turner,
£2 ; 2. Mr G. Edwards, £1.

Class 93 — 12 Pinks, distinct, cut blooms
(open)— 1. Mr J. Mellor, 40 England St.,
Ashton-under-Lyne, 10s.

Class 94 — 12 Zonal Pelargoniums, dis-
tinct, cut flowers, in bunches of five trusses
each (open)— 1. Mr C. Phillips, £1 ; 2. Mr
C. J. Perry, Castle Bromwich, Birming-
ham, 15s. ; 3. Mr W. Cunningham, nur-
seryman, Burton-on-Trent, 10s.

Class 95 — 12 Vei-benas, distinct, cut
flowers, in bunches of 5 trusses each
(open)— 1. Mr C. J. Perry, £1 ; 2. Mr C.
Turner, 15s.

Class 96 — 48 Cut Roses, distinct, 1 truss
each (nurserymen)— 1. Mr J. Cranston,
nurseryman, Hereford, £4 ; 2. Mr C.
Turner, £3 ; 3. Messrs Perkins & Sons,
nurserymen, Coventry, £2.

Class 97 — 48 Cut Roses, distinct, 1 truss
each (amateurs) — 1. Rev. S. R. Hole, £5;
2. Mr C. J. Perry, £3 ; 3. Mr T. Dray-
cott, £2.

Class 98 — 24 Cut Roses, distinct, 1 truss
each (amateurs)— 1. Rev. S. R. Hole, £2 ;
2. Mr C. J. Perry, £1 ; 3. Mr Skinner,
gardener to Captain Christy, Westerham,
Kent, 15s.

Class 99—12 Cut Roses, distinct (ama-
teurs)—!. Rev. S. R. Hole, £1; 2. Mr
C. J. Perry, 15s.; 3. Mr T. Draycott, 10s.

Class 100 — 6 Cut Roses, distinct (ama-
teurs)—!. Rev. S. R. Hole, 15s. ; 2. Mr
T. Draycott, 10s. ; 3. J. E. Mapplebeck,
Esq., 5s.; 4. Mr J. Walker, 2s. 6d.

Class 101—12 Cut Roses, new kinds,

distinct, sent out in 1866, 1867, or 1868
(open)— 1. Mr J. Cranston, £1, 10s.; 2. Mr
C. Turner, £1 ; 3. Messrs S. Perkins &
Sons, Park Nursery, Coventry, 15s.; 4.
Mr G. Edwards, 10s.

Class 108— Group of Artificial Flowers,
made in any material —1. Mr J. Denton,
175 Regent Road, Salford, £1.

Class 109 — Miscellaneous, for Plants
not contained in any of the above classes
(open) — 1. Messrs J. Veitch & Sons, £2,
10s.; 2. Mr B. S. Williams, £2 ; 3. Mr J.
Kaye, Wilmslow, Cheshire, £1, 10s.

FRUIT.

Class 110 — Collection of Fruit, consist-
ing of 8 dishes of distinct kinds — 1. Mr
J. Simpson, £6 ; 2. Mr J. Miller, garden-
er to Lord Foley, Worksop Manor, Notts,
£4.

Class 111 — Pine- Apple, any variety — 1.
Mr G. Ward, £3 ; Mr J. Deavill, garden-
er to Major Martin, Ashbourne, £2 ; Mr
W. Chambers, Shirley, near Birmingham,
£1.

Class 112 — Grapes, Black, single dish —
1. Mr W. Jones, £3; 2. Mr W. Woolley,
£2; 3. Mr C. Watkins, Holmer Park,
Hertford, £1.

Class 113— Grapes, White— 1. Mr J.
Wallis, £3 ; 2. Mr W. Hill, gardener to
R. Sneyd, Esq., Newcastle-under-Lyne,
£2 ; 3. Messrs H. Lane & Son, nursery-
men, Great Berkhampstead, £1.

Class 114 — Peaches, single dish — 1. Mr
A. Hay, gardener to Mrs Holland, Altrin-
cham, £2; 2. Mr R. H. Smith, £1 ; 3. Mr
W. Tillery, 10s.

Class 115— Nectarines — 1. Mr W. Car-
michael, £2 ; 2. Mr W. Tillery, £1 ; 3.
Mr C. Turner, 10s.

Class 117 — Figs, single dish — 1. Mr J.
Freeman, 15s. ; 2. Mr J.- Malcolm, Chol-
mondeley Castle, Cheshire, 10s.; 3. Mr J.
Simpson, 7s. 6d.

Class 118— Cherries, single dish — 1. Mr
W. Tillery, £1; 2. Mr 0. Goldsmith,
Polesden, Dorking, Surrey, 15s.; 3. Mr
R. H. Smith, 10s.

Class 119 — Strawberries, 4 dishes, dis-
tinct— 1. Mr J. Farquharson, Acton Park
Garden, Wrexham, North Wales, £2 ; 2.
Mr R. S. Yates, £1, 10 ; 3. Mr J. Hulme,
gardener, The Hayes, Timperley, Che-
shire, £1.

Class 120 — Strawberries, 1 dish — 1. Mr

1869.]

HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS.

433

J. Fowler, 15s.; 2. Mr J. Farquharson,
10s. ; 3. Mr Hulme, 7s. 6d.

Class 121 — Melon, Green-fleshed — 1.
Mr E. Webster, £1; 2. Mr C. Frisby,
15s. ; 3. Mr W. Broadbridge, gardener to
Sir C. Mordaunt, Warwick, 10s.

Class 122— Melon, Scarlet- fleshed— 1.
Mr D. James, £1 ; 2. Mr E. Clarke, 15s.;
3. Mr J. Bolton, 10s.

Class 123— Plums, single dish — 1. Mr
R. Janson, £1 ; 2. G. Whitfield, 15s,

Class 124— Basket of Out-Door Fruits,
4 kinds, distinct — 1. Mr J. Deavill, 10s.;
2. Mr W. Hill, 8s.; 3. Mr G. Elkin, 6s.;
4. Mr A. Meikle, gardener to S. Howard^
Esq., Whalley, Lancashire, 4s.

Class 125 — J'liscellaneous, for Fruits not
mentioned in Schedule — 1, Messrs H.
Lane & Son (3 pot Vines), £1, 10s. ; 2. Mr
J. Robson, gardener to Viscount Holmes-
dale, Staplehurst, Kent (box of home-
grown Oranges, &c.), £1.

COTTAGERS PRIZES.

FLOWEBS.

Class A — Window Plant, of any kind —
1. Mr W. Renshaw, High Leigh, near
Knutsford, 10s.; 2. Mr F. Royle, Ashton-
upon-Mei'sey, 7s. ; 3. Mr A. Buckley,
Oldham, 5s. ; 4. Mr H. Biddies, Lough-
orough, 4s. ; 5. Mr G. Plant, Cheshire,
3s. ; 6. Mr W. Eckersall, Whittaker Lane,
Prestwich, 2s.

Class B— Largest Collection Grown in
one Garden, one bunch each — 1. Mr W.
Eckersall, 10s. ; 2. Mr W. Clarke, Canal
Bank, Loughborough, 7s. ; 3. Mr G.
Hulme, Prestwich, near Manchester, 5s. ;
4. Mr H. Biddies, 4s. ; 5. Mr F. Buckley,
Arley Green, Northwich, 3s. ; 6. Mr S.
Wooder, Lymm, Cheshire, 2s.

Class C— 6 Stocks, distinct— 1. Mr W.
Clark, 6s. ; 2. Mr H. Biddies, 4s.

Class D — 6 Roses, distinct — 1. Mr H.
Biddies, 6s. ; 2. Mr W. Clarke, 5s.; 3. Mr
T. Buckley, Arley Green, Northwich, 4s. ;
4. Mr G. Plant, 3s.

FRUIT.

Class E — 20 Strawberries — 1. Mr P.
Buckley, Marson, near Northwich, 5s.

Class F— 20 Cherries— 1. Mr P. Buck-
ley, 5s. ; 2. Mr P. Buckley, 3s. ; 3. Mr
W. Clarke, 2s.

Class G— 50 Gooseberries — 1. Mr W.
Clarke, 3s. ; 2. Mr T. Andrews, Poulton,
near Warrington, 2s. ; 3. Mr G. Plant, Is.

Class H— 12 Apples— 1. Mr G. Plant,
63. ; 2. Mr W. Clarke, 5s. ; 3. Mr W.
Eckersall, 4s.

VEGETABLES.

Class J — Collection of Vegetables ar-
ranged in a basket — 1. !Mr W. Clarke,
10s. ; 2. Mr H. Biddies, 9s. ; 3. Mr T.
Painter, Lawton, Cheshire, 8s.

Class K — Collection of Potatoes, 6 of a
sort, 4 kinds— 1. Mr W. Renshaw, 10s. ;

2. Mr W. Clarke, 8s. ; 3. Mr H. Biddies,
7s. ; 4. S. Wooder, 6s. ; 5! Mr T. Buck-
ley, 5s. ; 6. Mr S. Paintei-, 2s.

Class L — 12 Kidney Potatoes — 1. Mr
W. Renshaw, 8s. ; 2. Mr T. Wooder, 7s. ;

3. Mr H. Biddies, 6s. ; 4. Mr W. Clarke,
5s.

Class M— 12 Round Potatoes— 1. Mr
W. Clarke, 8s. ; 2. Mr H. Biddies, 7s. ; 3.
Mr S. Wooder, 6s. ; 4. Mr T. Painter, 5s.

Class N — 3 Cauliflowers— 1. Mr W.
Eckersall, 5s. ; 2. Mr G. Hulme, 4s. ; 3.
Mr J. Andrews, 3s. ; 4. Mr W. Clarke, 2s.

Class 0—3 Cabbages— 1. Mr G. Plant,
5s. ; 2. Mr W. Clarke, 4s. ; 3. Mr T.
Buckley, 3s. ; 4. Mr T. Painter, 2s.

Class P— 20 Pods of Peas— 1. Mr H.
Biddies; 2. Mr W. Clarke; 3. Mr G.
Hulme ; 4. Mr T. Painter.

Class Q— 20 Pods of Broad Beans— 1.
Mr H. Biddies, 5s. ; 2. Mr G. Hulme, 4s.;
3. Mr W. Eckersall, 2s.

Class S— 6 Carrots— 1. Mr T. Wooder,
4s. ; 2. Mr P. Buckley, 3s. ; 3. Mr W.
Renshaw, 2s.

Class T— 6 Turnips— 1. Mr W. Ren-
shaw, 4s."; 2. Mr T. Wooder, 3s. ; 3. Mr
T. Painter, 2s.

Class U— 4 Stalks of Rhubarb— 1. Mr
J. Andrews, 5s. ; 2. Mr T. Wooder, 4s. ;
3. Mr T. Painter, 3s.

Class V— 6 Onions— 1. Mr W. Clarke,
10s. ; 2. Mr H. Biddies, 7s. ; 3. Mr W.
Renshaw, 6s. ; 4. Mr T. Wooder, 5s. ; 5.
Mr G. Hulme, 4s.

Class X— Collection of Herbs— 1. Mr H.
Biddies, 7s. ; 2. Mr T. Painter, 6s. ; 3.
Mr G. Hulme, 5s. ; 4. Mr W. Eckersall,
4s.

434

THE GARDENER.

[Sept.

ABERDEEN ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY,
JULY 23, 1869,

The Summer Show of this Society was held in a magnificent marquee on the
Links, yesterday.

The Show was in every respect equal to those of former years (last year, being
a special show, excepted), both in the number and the general excellence of the
plants. It may be mentioned that the valuable Silver Challenge Cup, com peted for by
nurserymen and florists only, was gained by Mr IM'Pherson, Polmuir, who was also
the successful competitor last year, the cup now becoming his own property.
The collection of plants which gained this much-coveted prize was the following,
viz. : — Pavetta Borbonica, Yucca quadricolor, Gymnostachyum Pearcii, Alocasia
Jenningsii, Sanchezia nobilis, variegated, Begonia Pearcei, Adiantum Farleyense,
Nepenthes hybrida maculata. Yucca filamentosa variegata, Acalypha tricolor,
Ixora Princeps, Dichorisaudra Mosaica.

JUDGES.

Pot Plants— Mr Hewitt, Ellon Castle; Mr Mackie, Dunkeld.
Cut Flowers — Mr Methven, Edinburgh ; ]\Ir Darling, Aberdeen.
Vegetables and Out-door Fruit— Mr Riddell, Elmaeld ; Mr Mair, Straloch ; Mr
Broadfoot, Stoneywood House.

Forced Fruit and Nurserymen's Cup — The whole.
The following is the Prize-list : —

Six Stove or Greenhouse Plants, in
flower, dissimilar — 1. George Don-
aldson, gardener to Earl of Kintore,
Keith-hall ; 2. J. Duncan, gardener to
John M'Kenzie, Esq. of Glack ; 3. R.
Farquhar, gardener to Colonel Gordon
of Fyvie,

Six Fine-Foliage Plants, in flower, dis-
similar— 1. John Smith, gardener to
William Henderson, Esq., Devanha
House ; 2. J. Duncan ; 3. R. Farquhar.

Two Stove or Greenhouse Plants, in
flower, dissimilar — 1 and 2. James
Leiper, gardener to Alexander Nicol,
Esq., Lord Provost ; 3. James M'ln-
tosh, gardener, Corsindae.

Three Fine-Foliage Plants, dissimilar
— 1. William Shand, gardener, Fetteresso
Castle ; 2. George Donaldson ; 3. James
Leiper.

Four Stove or Greenhouse Plants, in
flower, dissimilar — 1. R. Alexander,
Millburn Street; 2. W. Mercer, Blairs;
3. C. Urquhart, gardener, Woodhill.

Two Greenhouse Plants, in flower,
(amateurs only) — L Thomas Skene, Ash-
ley Place ; 2 and 3. R. Alexander.

SECTION I.

One specimen Stove or Greenhouse
plant, in flower (amateurs only) — 1 and
2. W. D. AYatson, Ivy Cottage; 3.
James Cobban, Huntly Street.

Twelve Stove or Greenhouse Plants,
new or rare, dissimilar, pots not to ex-
ceed 9 inches diameter (nurserymen and
florists only)— 1. John M'Pherson, nur-
seryman, Polmuir ; 2 and 3. Benjamin
Reid & Co.

Three Orchids, in flower, dissimilar —
1. John Webster, Gordon Castle ; 2. R.
Farquhar.

Four Cape Heaths, dissimilar — 1. R,
Alexander ; 2. W. Shand ; 3. R. Alexander.

Three Cape Heaths, dissimilar — 1.
William Mercer; 2. James Joss, gard-
ener. Anchovy ; 3. George Donaldson.

Two Cape Heaths (amateurs only) —
R. Alexander.

One Tree Fern (the Comaria not
considered a Tree Fern)— 1 and 2. John
Smith ; 3. James Leiper.

Nine other Ferns, from the stove or
greenhouse, dissimilar — 1. George Don-
aldson ; 2. Charles Knowles, Sunny-
bank ; 3. R. Farquhar.

1869.]

HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS.

435

Six other Ferns, from the stove or
greenhouse, dissimilar — 1. James Joss ;
2. John Smith ; 3. William Shand.

Three other Ferns, from the stove or
greenhouse, dissimilar (amateurs only)
—1. E. Alexander; 2. A. M'Beath,
Springbank Terrace; 3. George Tough,
Mount Street.

Four Lycopods, dissimilar — 1. John
Smith ; 2. John Milne, Polmuir ; 3.
George Donaldson.

Four Caladiums, dissimilar — 1. G.

Donaldson ; 2. J. Smith ; 3. J. Duncan.

Three Marantas, dissimilar— 1. John

Smith; 2. Charles Knowles; 3. George

Donaldson.

Three Coleuses — 1 and 2. John
Smith; 3. John Little John, Crathes
Castle.

Three Gloxinias, dissimilar — 1. W.
Shand ; 2. James Leiper.

One Coleus (amateurs only) — 1 and
2. R. Alexander ; 3. Thomas Skene.

Eight best-grown Tricolor Geraniums,
in "30 " pots, distinct named varieties,
prize presented by W. H. Davies, re-
presentative of Messrs T. & A. Smith,
Dulwich, London (open to all) — 1. J.
Leiper ; 2. J. Duncan ; 3. A. Haddeu,
Den more.

Three Geraniums, stage or French,
dissimilar — 1. J. Mitchell, gardener,
Westburn; 2. A. M 'Donald, Tillery
House; 3. P. Henderson, Ashley.

Three Geraniums, fancy, dissimilar —
1. William Mercer ; 2. R. Alexander ;
3. W. Mercer.

Three Geraniums, scarlet, pink, or
white, dissimilar — 1. and 2. John Jtliine;
3. A. Greig, gardener to Sir A. Grant,
Bart, Monymusk.

Three Geraniums vrith variegated foli-
age, dissimilar, excluding Tricolors — 1.
William Mercer ; 2. J. Leiper ; 3. P.
Henderson.

Three Geraniums, Tricolors, dissimilar
— 1. James Leiper; 2 John Smith; 3.
William Shand.

Two Geraniums, stage or French,
dissimilar (amateurs only) — 1, R.
Alexander ; 2. and 3. G. Tough.

Two Geraniums, fancy, dissimilar
(amateurs only) — 1. R. Alexander; 2.
and 3. G. Tough.

Two Geraniums, scarlet, pink, or
white, dissimilar (amateurs only) — I.
A. M'Beath; 2. R. Alexander; 3. W.
D. Watson.

Two Geraniums, variegated and dis-
similar (amateurs only) excluding Trico-
lor—1. W. D. Watson ; 2. R. Alexander ;
3. James Sedgewick, Princes Street.

Two Geraniums, Tricolor, dissimilar
(amateurs only) — 1. F. Calder, Bruck-
lay ; 2. R. Alexander ; 3. W. D. Watson,
Three Fuchsias, dissimilar — 1. James
Leiper ; 2. P. Henderson ; 3. James
Leiper.

One Fuchsia (amateurs only) — 1. and
2. R. Alexander ; 3. W. D. Watson.

Two Petunias, dissimilar (amateurs
only) — 1. R. Alexander ; 2. and 3. G.
Tough.

SECTIOX II. — CUT FLOWERS.

Twenty-four Roses, named, dissimilar
(open to nurserymen and other com-
petitors)— Prize by John Keynes, nur-
seryman, Salisbury — 1. Geo. Wyness,
Usan House, Montrose ; 2. Wm. Shand ;
3. James Little John.

Twelve Roses, named, dissimilar —
Prize by Messrs Downie, Laird, and
Laing, nurserymen, Edinburgh — L P.
Harper, gardener to J. F. G, Shirrefs
Gordon, Esq. of Craig; 2. G. Wyness;
3. G. Donaldson.

Twelve Roses, varieties, named, dis-
similar, three blooms of each — Prize
given by J. F. G. Shirrefs Gordon, Esq.
of Craig (nurserymen excluded) — J.
Littlejohn.

Six Roses, named, dissimilar — 1 and
2. T. Skene; 3. A. M'Beath.

Twelve Pinks, named, dissimilar — L
William Shand; 2. A. M'Beath; 3.
William Shand.

Six Pinks, named, dissimilar (ama-
teurs only) — A. M'Beath.

436

THE GARDENER.

[Sept.

Six Spikes Herbaceous Phloxes,
named, six varieties — 1 and 2. William
Shand ; 3. J. Joss.

Twelve Spikes hardy herbaceous
plants, named, dissimilar — 1. James
Joss ; 2. A, "Westlaud, Banchory ; 3. J.
Kerr, Kepplestone.

Six Spikes hardy herbaceous plants,
named, dissimilar (amateurs only) — 1
and 2. ^Y. Third, Banchory ; 3. George
Tough.

Six Double Stocks (plants) dissimilar,
in one box — 1. John Littlejohn ; 2. J.
Gerrard, Mile-end ; 3. William Shand.

Four Double Stocks (plants) in box

SECTION III

Collection of Fruit, forced or other-
wise, to contain five dishes, excluding
Pine-Apple — 1. J, Mackie, gardener,
Dunkeld House ; 2. K. Farquhar ; 3.
George Donaldson.

One Pine-Apple— John Webster.

One bunch Black Grapes— 1. E. Noo-
nau, gardener, Scotston; 2. G. Wyness;
3. E. Noouan.

One bunch White Grapes — 1. E.
ISToonan ; 2 and 3. John Webster.

One Melon, green -fleshed — 1, 2, and
3. John Riddel, gardener, Balgownie.

One Melon, other coloured — 1, 2, and
3. John Joss.

Twenty-five Cherries— 1 and 2, J.
Kerr ; 3. J. Mackie.

Fifty Raspberries — 1. R. Connon,
East Seaton ; 2. E. .Noonan ; 3. John
Littlejohn.

SECTION IV.-

Collection of Vegetables containing
fourteen varieties (market-gardeners
only)—!. R. Connon, East Seaton, Old
Aberdeen ; 2. William Davidson ; 3.
James Kinnaird, Outseats, Rubislaw.

Collection of Vegetables containing
nine varieties, excluding Cucumber and
Vegetable ]\[arrow (market-gardeners
only) — 1 and 3. Patrick Cocker.

Collection of Vegetables containing
ten varieties (gentlemen's gardeners
only)— 2. William Smith; 3. Alex.
Greig, gardener to Sir Archibald Greig.

Collection of Vegetables containing

(amateurs only)— 1 and 2. J. Anderson,
Hutcheon Street.

One Table Bouquet, 12 inches diame-
ter— 1. Stewart Watson, foreman
gardener, Gordon Castle ; 2. William
Smith, gardener to Colonel Erskine, Pit-
todrie; 3. William Shand.

Dinner-Table Decoration — 1. Henry
Grant, gardener. Park ; 2. J. Riddel,
Balgownie Lodge.

The best Hand Bouquet, 6 inches
diameter — this prize presented by the
Amateur Hortus Club — 1. William
Shand; 2. James Moir, photographer,
Crown Street ; 3. H. Grant.

-FRUIT.

Fifty Strawberries, largest, in five
named sorts — L Patrick Cocker, Sunny -
park ; 2. William Davidson, Springbank
Terrace; 3. John Littlejohn.

Fifty Strawberries, best flavoured — 1.
William Davidson ; 2. William Smith ;
3. R. Connon.

Fifty Gooseberries, largest — L Pat-
rick Cocker ; 2. John Webster ; 3. John
Smith.

Fifty Gooseberries, best flavoured —
1. Patrick Cocker ; 2. William Davidson ;
3. John V»"ebster.

One Basket Red, White, and Black
Currants, 1 imperial pint each — 1. John
Henry, gardener to J. F. Hadden, Esq.,
Union Grove ; 2. John AVebster ; 3.
John Taylor, gardener to John Blackie,
Esq., Carron Lodge.

VEGETABLES.

six varieties (amateurs only) — 1. A. G.
M'Beath; 2 and 3. James Anderson.

Basket of Salads containing six varie-
ties—L Wm. Smith; 2. JohnEiddel;
3. John Littlejohn.

Four Heads Cauliflower — 1. R. Con-
non ; 2. Alexander Greig ; 3. George
Davidson,

Four Cabbages — 1. W.Davidson; 2.
P. Cocker ; 3. R. Connon.

Fifty Pods Pease — 1. James Barry,
gardener, North Broadford ; 2. George
Donaldson ; 3. James Duncan.

Twelve Potatoes, kidney-shaped— 1,

1869.] NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS. 437

Six Turnips, white — 1. John Little-
john ; 2. John Henry ; 3. Alexander
Hadden.

Twelve Onions, autumn sown — 1 and
3. Alexander Greig; 2. Geo. Donald-
son.

One Dish twelve Mushrooms (pre-
sented by John Angus, Esq., town-
clerk) — 1 and 2. R. Connon.

2, and 3. Alexander Mortimer, Rubis-
law.

Twelve Potatoes, round — 1. R. Con-
non ; 2. R. Paul, Polmuir ; 3. Alex.
Mortimer.

One Brace Cucumbers — 1. R. Far-
quhar; 2 and 3. George Donaldson.

Twelve Carrots, early — 1. J. Kerr;
2. Alexander Greig ; 3. Patrick Cocker.

An award of merit was given to a collection of twelve Seedling Geraniums,
shown by Mr James Cocker, nurseryman, Sunnypark, one of which, named
Corporal Cameron, was awarded a certificate of honour, as was also a Seedling
Geranium, exhibited by Mr Rae, Rosemount. Mr Webster, Gordon Castle, re-
ceived a certificate of honour for a beautiful Seedling Pea ; twenty-four Pansies,
shown by Mr Gordon of Craig, were awarded a certificate of merit. The collection
of plants exhibited by Messrs B. Reid & Co., Cocker, W. Smith & Son, M'Pher-
son, and Gerrard, nurserymen, were much admired. Messrs Morrison Brothers
exhibited a fine collection of Roses. The Roses sent by Mr Moir, gardener, Ury,
for exhibition, were also worthy of special notice. Messrs Gardno and Darling,
seedsmen, sent a quantity of garden implements for exhibition, which attracted a
good deal of attention.

The Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society's International Show,
which is to be held in Edinburgh on the 8 th or 9 th of this month, bids fair to
be the grandest fruit show that has ever taken place in the country.

We understand that in all towns on " The North British Railway Systems,"
where ten individuals make application, excursion tickets will be granted to Edin-
burgh at one fare. Such tickets will, however, have to be stamped in the Show-
room.

Sir, — In your report of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society's Meeting
in this month's Gardener, I observe that you credit ]\Ir Maconnochie with the
second prize for "Two Bunches Grapes (flavour), black." As this was one of the
prizes won by me, I beg you will be good enough to rectify this mistake in your
next number. — I am, &c., John Laing.

PiTCAiRLiE Gardens, A.uchtermuchty, July 5, 1869.

J. S., Wilts. — We are not able to say what has caused your Grapes to shank.
You give no data. The cause of shanking is a deficient supply of nutriment to
the Grapes by the roots and foliage. The causes of this deficiency are various —
the roots unhealthy, the foliage injured, and the crop too heavy. These evils
present, and shanked berries are sure to prevail. You must judge whether any
or all of these evils prevail with you, and remedy them as directed by us in the
Practical Treatise oil the Grape Vine, which is too long for quotation here.

438 THE GARDENER. [Sept. 1869.

Camellia. — Disbud your Camellias at once. Leave two buds on the point of
each shoot — the largest and the smallest. This will give you a greater suc-
cession of bloom than if you left the two most advanced. In future, disbud as
soon as the buds are fairly formed.

A Young Gardener. — Lindley's Tlieory and Practice of Horticulture costs 21s.
Longman & Co. publish it, but any bookseller will procure it for you. It is
a grand book ; study it closely.

We believe too strong fumigation with tobacco will injure Grapes, but wo
never saw it done.

Ficus. — We hope to have space next month to give a paper read before the
Royal Horticultural Society at Manchester, by Mr Barron of Chiswick, on the
cultivation of Figs in pots, which will give you the best possible information on
the subject. Mr Barron, on the same occasion, exhibited the most superb col-
lection of Figs in pots, from the gardens of the Horticultural Society, that were
ever seen in public.

Vine-Grower, — Never mind what you read to the contrary. Next year, when
your Lady Downes Grapes are stoning, keep the house as cool as a greenhouse
for three weeks, and "the spot" will do you no serious damage. This is our
experience, and we have grown that best keeper of all Grapes for fourteen years.

A Greenhorn. — AVrite to Messrs Lee of Hammersmith, and they may be able to
send you a few berries of the Grape. We have it, but not yet ripe. We thought
it a nice-looking good-flavoured Grape when we tasted it at Leicester. We
have found no difficulty in setting Mrs Pince's Muscat. The bunches are large,
and we think they will colour well. We saw a very fine bunch of it, along with
other very fine Grapes, a short time ago at Tynningham. Next month we shall
be able to let you know more about its flavour than we could now.

THE

GARDENER.

OCTOBER 1869.

THE ROSE.

[Continued from page 393.)
CHAPTER XV. AT A ROSE-SHOW.

S tlie young knight in the olden time, having reached " y®
place ordayned and appointed to trye y® bittermoste by
stroke of battle," became naturally curious concerning his
adversaries, and, after caring for his horse and looking to
his armour, went forth to inspect the Flower of Chivalry, and the lists,
in which that flower would shortly form a bed of " Love-lies-bleeding "
— so the exhibitor, having finally arranged his Koses, strolls through
the glowing aisles of the show. Soon experience will teach him to
survey calmly, and to gauge accurately, the forces of his foe ; but now
he but glances nervously, furtively, at the scene around him, like a
new boy at some public school. The sight brings him hopes and
fears. Now a hurried sidelong look shows him flowers inferior to his
own, and he is elate, happy. Now an objectionably large Pierre Not-
ting obtrudes itself upon his vision, and his heart fails him. He steps,
as it were, from the warm stove, gay with Orchids, into the ice-house
of chill despair. He is much too anxious and excited to form any
just conclusions; and therefore, to engage his thoughts more pleasantly,
I will introduce him to his co-exhibitors.

Viewed abstractedly, these co-exhibitors are genial, generous, intelli-
gent, men of refined taste and reverent feelings, with the freshness of a
garden and the freedom of the country about their looks and ways.
Viewed early in the morning, as the novice sees them now, they are a
little dingy, without the freshness of the garden upon them, but with

2 G

440 THE GARDENER. [Oct.

soTnething very like its soil. Some have not been in bed since yester-
night ; not one has slept his usual sleep. Many have come from

afar : —

" They have travelled to our Rose-show
From north, south, east, and west,
By rail, by roads, with precious loads
Of the flower they love the best :

** From dusk to dawn, through night to morn,
They've dozed 'mid clank and din.
And woke with cramp in both their legs,
And bristles on their chin."

" Piilvis et umhra sumus ! " they sigh, we are all over dust, and
shady. They are like Melrose Abbey — sunlight does not suit them.
" The gay beams of lightsome day" are not becoming to countenances
long estranged from pillow, razor, and tub. They have come to meet
the Queen of Flowers, as Mephibosheth to meet King David, not
having dressed his feet, or trimmed his beard, or washed his clothes
from the day the king departed. And this reminds me that we, the
clerical contingent, appear upon these occasions especially dishevelled
and dim. Sydney Smith would undoubtedly say that we " seemed to
have a good deal of glebe upon our own hands." In the thick dust
upon our black coats you might write or draw distinctly ; — (I once saw
traced upon the back of a thirsty florist — of course a layman — To he
kept dry ; this side up) — and our white ties —

" Qui color albus erat, nunc est contrarius albo,"

are dismally limp and loose. The bearded brethren remind one of St
Angus, of whom we read that, perspiring and unwashed, he worked
in his barn until the scattered grain took root and grew on him.

By-and-by, when the exhibition is open to the public, we shall be
as spruce as our neighbours, and as bright as soap-and-water — he is
no true gardener who loves not both — can make us. Meanwhile let
me assure the new-comer among us that there are strong brains and
gentle hearts within those swart and grimy exteriors, and that he will
find in the brotherhood hereafter — so I prophesy from my own experi-
ence— many dear and steadfast friends. For me Floriculture has done
so much — quickening good desires and rebuking evil — that I have
ever faith in those with whom its power prevails. But let us never
forget, while we congratulate and commend each other as florists, that
humility on the score of our multitudinous weeds is more becoming
than pride in our little dish of sour wizened fruit ; that " we are the
sons of women, Master Page;" and that the old serpent hides still
among our flowers. And now, to confirm such v/holesome memories,

1869.] THE ROSE. 441

I will present to the young Rosarian one or two specimens of our
weaker brethren, that he may learn to check betimes in himself those
infirmities which are common to us all, and which, when they gain the
mastery, make men objects of contempt and ridicule. I must add
that, although I paint from the life, my pictures are never portraits of
the individual, but always studies from the group — a group brought
together by memory from diverse parts and periods, but displaying in
its members such a strong family resemblance that I must guard my-
self against a natural suspicion.

The Irascible Exhihifor loses no time in verifying his presence to
our eyes and ears. Talking so rapidly that '' a man ought to be all
ear to follow," as Schiller said of Madame de Stael, and so loudly that
he may be heard in all parts of the Show, he is declaiming to a police-
man, a carpenter, and two under-gardeners, who are nudging each
other in the ribs, against the iniquitous villany of *' three thundering
muffs " who recently awarded him a fourth prize for the finest lot of
Roses he ever cut. He com.municates to the policeman, who evidently
regards him as being singularly advanced in liquor, considering the
time of day, his firm belief that the censors in question were brought
up from a coal-mine on the morning of the exhibition, and had never
seen a Rose before. He does hope that, on the present occasion, some-
body will be in office who knows the difference between that flower
and a Pumpkin. Here he is informed that Mr Trueman, a most reli-
able Rosarian, is to be one of the judges. He is delighted to hear it.
Mr Trueman is a practical, honourable man ; and having arranged his
Roses with a running accompaniment of grunts and snorts, he goes in
quest of that individual, expresses entire confidence in his unerring
judgment, and the happiness which he feels in submitting his Roses
to a man who can appreciate them, instead of to such a set of old

women as were recently judging at , when they ought to have

been in bed.

Alas for our poor feeble humanity ! — two hours later Mr Irascible, find-
ing no prize-card on his boxes, denounces Mr T. as an ignorant humbug,
or knows for a fact that he is in vile collusion with the principal
winners of the day, — reminding me, in his swift transition from praise
to condemnation, from love to hate, of a ludicrous Oxford scene.

Tom Perrin kept livery-stables, and in those stables the stoutest of
wheelers and the liveliest of leaders for our tandems and fours-in-
hand. Unhappily for Tom, all driving in extcnso was strictly forbid-
den, and he came, in consequence, to frequent collisions with our
potent, grave, and reverend Dons. Upon the occasion to which I
refer he had been summoned to appear before the Vice-Chancellor,
Doctor MacBride, then Principal of Magdalen Hall ; and as the offtnce

442 THE GARDENER. [Oct.

was flagrant, and his previous convictions were numerous, he was
specially anxious to obtain an acquittal. He presented himself in
deep mourning, and wore the expression of a simple, modest citizen,
who really didn't know what a tandem was. He placed a pile of
ancient tomes by his side (Greek Lexicons for the most part, and
Latin Dictionaries lent to him by the undergraduates), and consulted
them from time to time, during his trial, upon difficult points of law.
He bowed to the court at intervals with a most profound respect, and
he addressed the Doctor as "My Lord Judge," "Your Grace," and
" Venerable Sir." But when the verdict was given, and the defendant
heavily fined, I never saw anything in dissolving views so marvellous
as Tom Perrin. He set his hat jauntily on the side of his head ; he
shut his Lexicons with a bang, and, confronting his judge with a look
of scorn and disgust, he said — " MacBride, if this be law, hequity, or

justice, I'm ," well, let us say, something which happens to a

brook when its waters are arrested by a temporary barrier constructed
across the stream.

So does our irascible exhibitor now glare around him with " the
dragon eyes of angered Eleanor." He would like a revival of those
days when "a judge was not sacred from violence. Any one might
interrupt him, might accuse him of iniquity and corruption in the
most reproachful terms, and, throwing down his gauntlet, might
challenge him to defend his integrity in the field ; nor could he with-
out infamy refuse to accept his defiance, or decline to enter the lists
against such an adversary."''' That is to say, he would like to inter-
rupt, to accuse, to reproach, and perhaps to challenge, but certainly
not to fight, for these passionate folk are invariably cowards. They
dare not attack with anything but words ; unless they possess an over-
whelming power, like that suburban, pot-house, betting Eleven, who
once upon a time persuaded Jimmy Dean to act as umpire at one
of their boosy matches, and ran him home six miles across country
with furious execrations and threats to London, because he gave a
decision adverse to their interest at a critical period of the game.

At one time you will see the Irascible Exhibitor standing by his
Roses, and revealing his wrongs to any who will hear ; occasionally
making a deep impression upon elderly ladies, and almost persuading
very young reporters to chronicle his woes in print ; but oftener fail-
ing to evoke sympathy, you will find him with a countenance, like Dis-
pleasure in the ' Fairy Queen,' " lompish and full suUein," aloof,
solitary — like some morose old pike swimming slowly about in a back-
water, while all the other fishes are leaping in the sunlit stream.

* Robertson's * History of Charles V.,' vol. i.

1869.] THE ROSE. 443

Finally, he discovers some malcontent like himself — un sot frouve
toujours un plus sot qui V admire — and they go off together to the
darkest corner of the most dismal room of their inn, to enjoy their
woes, and to defy their fellow- creatures, over a succession of " 2-bran-
dies and cold."

I know only of one other species of exhibitor discreditable to the
genus, Tlie Covetous Exhibitor, whose avarice has slain his honour.
His motto is Money.

"Si possis recte, si non quocunque modo Money."

He cares nothing for the Rose itself, sees no beauty, and smells no
perfume, only for the prizes it may win. Truie aime plus bran que
Bose, and will go through any amount of dirtiness to get his nose to
the swill. On the eve of a show he will beg or will buy the Roses of his
neighbours. He will show several flowers of the same Rose, attaching
the different names of those varieties which have some resemblance
to each other. He knows how to conceal an eye, and to fix a petal in its
place by gum. He will add foliage, whenever he dare. He, too, likes a
few words with the judges before they make their awards. He never
saw them in such wonderful health ; in fact, their youthful appearance
is almost comic. They will find the Roses rough and coarse (which
means that his own are undersized) ; or there is a sad want of sub-
stance in the blooms this morning (which means that his are over-blown).

In accordance with the old and true proverb, his dishonesty does not
thrive. He steals several paces in front of his brother archers, but for
one arrow hitting the gold, he misses, breaks, or loses fifty. I re-
member some years ago, just as we had commenced our survey as judges
at one of the provincial shows, an exhibitor reappeared, hot and out of
breath, and "begged pardon, but he had left a knife among his Roses."
He had a magnificent Rose in his coat, and, "from information which
I had received," I thought it my duty to watch his movements without
appearing to do so. He left the tent with a much smaller flower in his
button-hole, and I went immediately to his box. There was the illus-
trious stranger, resplendent, but with a fatal beauty. The cunning one
had hoist himself with his own petard, for he had forgotten another
bloom of the same Rose, already in his 24, and I at once wrote "Dis-
qualified for duplicates " upon his exhibition card. Keen must have
been the shaft which he had himself feathered from that borrowed
plume, but keener far to feel (for it was a fact patent to all) that if he
had not made the addition, he must have won the premier prize.

Another failure of empirical knavery, another slip between the cup
of silver and the lip of stratagem, occurs to my recollection. It was
my good fortune to win a prize goblet annually given for Roses at one

444 THE GARDENER. [Oct.

of our midland shows, so frequently, that my success became monoton-
ously irksome to the competitors generally, but specially to one of these
covetous exhibitors who grow Roses only for gain. He induced, as it
afterwards transpired, two other growers of the Rose to combine with
him in an attempt " to beat the parson ;" and so sure was this clique of
success, that they brought a couple of bottles of wine to the show,
to be quaffed from the cup, which I won easily. In the afternoon I
happened to come upon the conspirators drinking their port in a quiet
corner of the grounds, and one of them not only invited me to partake,
but, as from a sudden impulse, and as though the truth must come out
with the wine, to my intense amusement, and to the still more intense
amazement of his friends, revealed all the history of their little game.
He declared that he was thoroughly ashamed of "the job," and was
heartily glad they were beat. Truly it was a strange confession, but
I believe the penitence was sincere.

The Despondent Exhibitor is also an exceptional, but by no means
discreditable, variety. He is physically incapable of festive emotions
— " a sad, gloom-pampered man," but a good Rosarian, and a righteous.
If a cloud crosses the sun, he shuts up like a Gazania or a Crocus ; if
a few drops of rain fall, he hangs his head like Virgil's poppies,

" Lassove papavera collo,
Demisere caput, pluvia quum forte gravantur."

He never has the slightest expectation of a prize. He has had more
caterpillars, aphides, blights, beetles, and mildews in his garden than
ever were seen by man. So he tells you with a slow and solemn tone,
looking the while as though, like Mozart composing his own requiem,
he listened to some plaintive music. I used to regard him with a ten-
der pity, as being unhappy. I used to sigh

"Alas for him who never sees
The stars shine through his cypress trees ! "

But our further acquaintance has convinced me that he has a relish
"^for melancholy. I watched him once, when I knew, but he did not,
that he had won a first prize, to see what effect success would have
upon him. He came slowly to his Roses, and read the announcement
with an expression of profound despair, just as though it had been a
telegram informing him that the bank, in which he had placed his all,
proposed a dividend of fourpence in the pound !

Warned by these rare examples against anger, avarice, and despond,
assured that the horses which rear, bite, kick, and sulk, are seldom
winners of the race, let the young exhibitor now acquaint himself with
his colleagues generally, and let him learn from them, as from men
who have not lived in vain amid the beauties and the bounties of a

1869.] THE ROSE. 445

garden, contentment, generosity, perseverance, hope. They will tell
him that the lessons of defeat will most certainly teach him to conquer,
if he will only learn them patiently, noting his failures, and making
every effort to overcome them. Fighting for the prize, he resembles
in one point, and one only I trust, the prize-fighter : when judgment,
temper, self-mastery are lost, the battle is lost also. They will tell
him not only how to win his laurels, but how to wear them gracefully ;
in prosperity, as well as in adversity, to preserve the equal mind. But
which will be his lot to-day ? The crisis approaches, and the stern
mandate of the peremptory police is already sounding in his ears,
" This tent must be cleared for the Judges^

It used to be said at our flower-shows, '' Oh, any one can judge the
Roses j" and when, few in quantity and feeble in quality, they formed
but a small item of the exhibition, they had, of course, no special
claims ; but this indifi'erence unhappily prevailed long after the Rose
had become a chief attraction in our summer shows, and even where
it was the only flower exhibited. At our great Rose-shows we have
succeeded in eliminating from the halls of justice incompetent judges ;
but elsewhere the Rosarian takes with his Roses a very anxious heart.
Only last year one of our most successful competitors, a Leicestershire
clergyman, who had just won two first-prizes at the Crystal Palace, took
some Roses equally good to a show at Burton-upon-Trent. Facile
princeps, he was not even commended ; and on remonstrating was
informed by one. of the judges that his Roses, to which precedence had
been given at a national contest, '•'"icere not the right sorts for exhibi-
tion'^ The fact is, that three varieties of censors are still appointed
over the Roses at our provincial shows. There is the man who loves
them, knows and grows them well — his judgments will be right. There
is the man who is a clever florist and grows Roses partially — his judg-
ments will generally be right, but if the collections are large or num-
erous, or nearly equal in merit, he will be perplexed to incapacity.
Thirdly, there is the man appointed to be judge of the Roses
because he once won a prize for Cucumbers, or because the mayor
knows his uncle. The latter is either, in his wise silence, quite use-
less, or, in his fool's loquacity, a dreadful bore — dangerous wherever
he has power. To the second I would say,

" Cassio, I love thee, but never more be officer of mine "
until you know more about Roses, To the first I take off my hat, as
to '' a chief justice among chief justices," * and wish that he may ever
preside in court when I have a cause to plead.

The arbiter at a Rose-show should be a man who not only lives

* So Fuller designates our great Nottinghamshire judge, Markham.

446 THE GARDENER. [Oct.

among Roses, but among Roses in their most perfect phase. He
should know the capabilities of each separate variety as to symmetry,
colour, and size, that he may estimate and compare accurately "the
merits of the flowers before him. He should know thoroughly their
habit of growth, their peculiarities of leaf and wood, that he may
correct misnomers, and detect additions or duplicates. He should
regard his office as a sacred duty, not only because justice and honour
are sacred things, but because there seems to be a special sanctity in
such beautiful handiwork of God; and to be untruthful and dishonest
in such a presence and purity should be profane in his sight, as though
he lied to an angel. But his duty will be his delight also, and thus,
having his inclination at unity with his conscience, and his love in-
structed by his reason, he cannot fail to fulfil it. Knowing the law
thoroughly, and sifting the evidence minutely, he must give the sentence
of a righteous judge. Never tiring, when the competition is close, in
his keen and patient scrutiny estimating every Rose by a fixed stan-
dard, setting down in his note-book, counting, comparing their respec-
tive marks of merit and defect, bringing the boxes, if distant, into close
proximity, anxiously attentive to the comments of his colleagues,
bestowing the same care upon the "cottager's 6" as upon the "nursery-
man's 72," he is never satisfied until all doubts are dispelled, and the
award of his lips is the sure conviction of his heart.

As the judge enters, the exhibitor leaves, the show, first turning to
gaze once again upon the exquisite beauty of the scene, the long
avenues of Roses, the fairest examples which the world can bring of its
most lovely flower. The flat surface of the boxes is pleasingly diversi-
fied (or should be) by the stately Palm, the graceful Fern, the elegant
Humea, by Croton, Caladium, Dracaena, Coleus, and the like, which
not only prevent the uniformity from becoming monotonous, and the
repetition wearisome, but soften agreeably that blaze of colour which
would be, without such contrast and interruption, too bright for mortal
ken. These are placed at regular intervals in the centre of the tables,
singly, or in groups. Pretty specimens of the silver-leaved Maple
(Ace?' Ner/undo variegahim), about 4 feet in height, were thus freely
introduced, and with admirable efi'ect, at the last Birmingham Rose-
show.

And now there comes for this young lover who has just made, as it
were, his proposals to the Rose, a tedious interval, a long suspense, a
nervous, restless agitation. The lady has always smiled on him, but
what will papa say — i. e., the judge 1 When next the suitor sees his
sweetheart, will she bring with her the written approbation of his suit,
even as Miss Wilson returned from the one Professor, her father, to
the other Professor, Aytoun, her lover, having a slip of paper pinned upon

1869.] THE ROSE. 447

her dress, and upon that paper the happy words, " With the author's
compliments " ? When next the exhibitor sees his Roses, will there be
a prize-card on his box ?

He wonders fretfully. He retires to his hotel. He refreshes the
outer and the inner man. What can be the matter with the coffee-
room clock ? how slowly it ticks ! how the long hand lags and limps !
every minute marked upon the dial might be a pebble upon the grass-
plat of the future, blunting the scythe of Time. Will that selfish snob
in the corner never put down the newspaper 1 He will, he does : the
exhibitor seizes it eagerly, and reads it, or rather gazes vacantly upon
it for nearly a minute and a half. What are money-markets or murders
to him? Sixteen closely - printed pages, and not one word about
Roses ! He throws down the Times and looks out of the window.
Ah, there is a shop opposite with pictares and photographs ; strolls
across ; has seen them all before ; is getting rather sick of photographs ;
strolls back again ; must have been away ten minutes, but coffeeroom
clock says three. Selfish snob in corner writing letters with a coolness
and equanimity quite disgusting ; he looks up and is recognised as
rival amateur, proprietor of Pierre Notting; something about him, ex-
hibitor thinks, not altogether pleasing ; not a nice expression ; shouldn't
say he was quite a gentleman.

At last the malignant timepiece, having tardily announced the
meridian, with a minim rest between the notes, as though it were a
passing bell tolled in Lilliput, and having disputed every inch of the
succeeding hour, is compelled to give up its match against time, and
the exhibitor hears the thrilling sound which proclaims the Rose-show
open. He gives his best hat a final brush; he adjusts for the last
time the pretty Rose in his coat (be still, throbbing heart beneath !) ;
and back he goes to his fate. He presents at the door his exhibitor's
pass; and then "affecting to be unaffected," but nervous as a girl at
her first ball, he wends his anxious way to his Roses.

What shall he find there — defeat or victory 1 Shall the music of the
band express to his ears the gladness of his spirit, the triumph of his
hope, or shall

" Sharp violins proclaim
Their jealous pangs and desperation/'

in unison with his own ? Let him be prepared for either issue. Let
him anticipate defeat, as being but a recruit and pupil ; but let him
remember, when defeated, that more than one great statesman has
been plucked for little-go — more than one great general has lost his
first battle — more than one Royal Academician has had his first picture
declined by the hanging-committee. If victory comes, let him never

448 THE GARDENER. [Oct-

forget that sTie only stays with the meek. Where success brings pride,
then, as Lamb writes in a Latin letter to Gary, commutandum est he !
he ! he ! cum heu I hen ! lieu ! and all men shall laugh at the brag-
gart's fall.

In prosperity or in adversity, abroad or at home, let him never tore
his friends about Moses. Let him remember Heliogabalus ! At a
magnificent banquet he caused Rose-leaves to be showered in such
profusion on his guests that several were suffocated, and died in
aromatic pain.

Again I say let the exhibitor enter the show, and leave it, with a
wise, thankful, trustful heart !

" Who misses or who wins the prize,
Go, lose or conquer as you can ;
But if you fail, or if you rise,
Be each, pray God, a gentleman ! "

HINTS FOR AM ATEUilS.— OCTOBER.

Much time and attention will now be required where gardens are to
be kept free from litter, falling and decaying leaves, which offend the
eye as well as the sense of smell. All the Brassica tribe of plants
should be gone over, and the lower leaves taken off ; many will be
decaying among Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli, Savoys, and Kale. Air
freely admitted among them is very essential to their wellbeing.
Leaves from fruit-trees will now be coming off freely, and should not
be allowed to remain in quantities by the side of the box or other
edgings, otherwise long dead patches may follow. Everything of a
decajdng nature should be taken to a considerable distance from any
dwelling. There should be nothing likely to produce fungi taken to
the general heap, but should be charred along with parings of walk-
edgings, prunings, &c., to be taken to the vegetable, fruit, or flower
ground. This dressing, especially on old garden-ground which has
been highly manured, has a more kindly and sweetening influence than
is generally admitted. We often, to save time and labour, have all
decaying garden-refuse wheeled on to empty ground, and left in ridges
covered with earth till the whole can be trenched down 2 or 3 spades
deep. However, at present there should be little empty space where
close cropping is practised. The clearing off of autumn Cauliflowers,
Strawberries, &c., may give space, but no manure should lie exposed to
be wasted by evaporation. Beech and Oak leaves should be gathered
when they are dry, and kept in store to be used with manure for hot-

1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 449

bed-making — the leaves retain the heat and keep the bed regular for
a long time. A hotbed here, which was made last November with a
large proportion of Beech-leaves among the dung, is still warm, and
plenty of Cucumbers are produced. We have seen some Pine-Apple
growers stack and thatch their tree-leaves as one would corn. Let
everything be done now to help on winter work. Any improvements
and renovations may be executed ; box edgings made and repaired ;
gravelling walks, draining, trenching, and preparing for fruit-tree plant-
ing : collecting of soils, &c., may be carried on when opportunity
affords. Ordinary trenching and digging may be commenced, but we
prefer leaving this work till most of the tree-leaves are down. Let
more Cabbage be planted if required. If those left in the seed-bed
are loosened or otherwise disturbed, let them either have some clean
earth placed round the roots, or lift them and place them in sheltered
quarters. Where there is no fence or wall for shelter, much can be
done by using Pea-stakes thickly on the north and east sides of the
plants. Lettuce and Cauliflower may still be planted and otherwise
attended to, as advised last month. Let slugs and other unwelcome
visitors be carefully looked after. Dustings of lime and small coal-ashes
over every surface where young plants are growing will keep them safe.
About the end of the month Lettuce and Endive ready for use,
lifted with all their roots and placed in earth under protection, will
keep up a supply for some time. Growing plants of the above may be
planted in frames, giving plenty of air when weather is dry and not
frosty, and when wet bricks may be placed at top and bottom of the
sashes in the way which market growers use their !Mignonette,
Stocks, Radishes, &c., through the winter. No one would imagine
the attention they give to airing unless they witnessed the men
at work ; and well the attention given is remunerated. En-
dive may be blanched by placing slates or boards over the plants ;
doing a small quantity frequently will keep up a supply. Carrots
may now be lifted and stored aw^ay. Let them be moderately dry
before they are taken under cover ; large heaps of them are liable to
decay if stored away damp. A quantity of dry straw thrown over
them will keep them as well as anything. A pit built in the earth,
with covering to keep out frost, damp, &c., makes a good " store" for
roots of all kinds. The best for the purpose we know is an old ice-
house, with shelves round the sides, and covered over, water and rat
proof. Celery may be earthed-up as required, allowing the hearts to
remain clear of the soil. Keep the leaves erect and compact. If the
ground should be dry, give a good soaking of manure-water before
earthing-up. Earthing-up Cabbage, Savoys, Kale, &c., may be done
with advantage at this season, especially if they are in exposed posi-

450 THE GARDENER. [Oct.

tions; however, it is years since we did anything of the kind, the
ground being rather dry, and the filling-in of the drills drawn for the
plant keeps the stems in their places. A quantity of Parsley may be
lifted and placed under protection, so that when snow or severe
weather might set in, picking the Parsley-tops could be done without
injuring the plant. Hoops, over which mats, &c., can be placed, is a
good system for protecting tender or other plants. Peas in full bear-
ing might be kept on, if timely attention could be given, with mats.
When frost sets in while covering, the material should not touch the
plants, as they would get frozen together, and the latter would be des-
troyed entirely. Our sunk pits, filled with Little Gem and Tom
Thumb, might have done good service in November, but the want of
water and time to apply the little we could spare has brought on pre-
mature fruiting. Care must be exercised when winter Spinach is
picked, so that the outside leaves only should be taken, leaving the
heart entire. Laying down Broccolis with their hearts from the sun
may be done now, to prevent the sun injuring their hearts by rapid
thawing after frost ; soft vigorous growth is also checked. Cauliflower
and autumn Broccolis turning in too quickly may be lifted and placed
by the roots in earth behind a wall, shrubbery, &c., which will keep
up a succession for some time.

Pears and Apples are mostly gathered this month ; for the sake
of convenience keep late and early kinds separate. If there is
room to lay them thinly on shelves, they will be less likely to be
injured from handling when the ripe ones are picked out. Keep the
fruit-room dry and airy for a short time after the crop is housed, and
for late keeping a dry, close, and dark house is best : keep cool, but
frost should be excluded. Examine the fruit frequently for some
time, so that all that are decaying may be taken away. Trees for
walls and orchards may now be ordered without delay; old trees,
which have been frequently cut down, should not be accepted for
planting though ofi'ered gratis. Choose young healthy plants of even
growth, clean bark, free from old wounds or snags. Wide borders well
mixed with fresh turfy loam will suit most trees. Concrete, used in a
semicircle for a yard or more next the wall, will prevent the roots
from going into the subsoil. When planting, the soil should be made
firm and the roots spread over the surface — cutting off any that are
broken or very long and coarse ; fibre is what will give success. The
roots should be kept up nearly on a level with the surrounding soil,
placing a layer of good earth over them 6 inches or more deep ; then
a mulching of litter over all to keep out frost. The shoots should be
fastened so that they will not be beaten by high winds ; but allowance
should be made for the trees sinking, that they may not be allowed to

1869.] NEW ZEALAND. 451

hang on the ties ; making the soil thoroughly firm will in a manner
counteract the evil.

Bedding plants of all kinds should soon be where protection can
be given. They may be placed in the pits or other winter-quarters,
but give plenty of air on every favourable opportunity. All things
must now be watered carefully, always giving enough to moisture all
the soil about the roots, but it need be given only when really neces-
sary. Fresh air, free from damp, is now desirable for Cinerarias,
Primulas, Pelargoniums, &c. The latter, if not already done, should
be shaken out of the old soil, the roots reduced, and repotted into
smaller pots. More sand than when in flowering-pots is necessary till
the roots are plentiful. If plants are too numerous for the means to
grow them in, it would be well to give some of them away, or destroy
them, rather than crowd and weaken the whole stock. Calceolaria
cuttings may now be taken off an inch or two long, using the young
tops. Use sandy loam in pans, pots, or shallow boxes, well drained :
place some clean sand over the surface, and put in the cuttings firmly;
shade them from sun, keep moderately moist, but no damp should be
harboured among the plants. China Roses for flowering in pots may
now be cut back or regulated : give fresh surfacing, but avoid batter-
ing the dressing down, which keeps out air from the plants. Every-
thing which is to be cared for through the winter should now be
looked after. Plants, however hardy, if they are in pots, require pro-
tection from frost. Dahlias should now be protected to keep them in
bloom, but covering and uncovering them is scarcely worth while.
Chrysanthemums will now require manure-water. M. T.

NEW ZEALAND.

Oamaru, Otago, New Zealand,
July 5, 1869.

Sir, — It is my intention in sending you these papers not to confine
myself entirely to subjects under cultivation in the gardens here, but
also to give a brief description of the climate, soil, &c., plants indigen-
ous (as observed in their natural state, many species of which I have
seen cultivated in the gardens of Europe), as well as those foreign,
to New Zealand. I will proceed, then, to give a few remarks on the

CLIMATE.

By reference to a map of the world it will be seen that this place is
situated in lat. 44^ S., long. ITT E., or nearly. But in giving the
following statement I would have your readers understand that what

452 THE GARDENER. . [Oct.

is given "here applies only to tliis district, and therefore is not to be
regarded as applicable to the whole of the Middle Island of New Zea-
land, or even Otago itself. Since the establishment of telegraphic
communications by Government in all the settled districts, we are
enabled to know the exact state of the weather all over at the same
time, as reported at the stations at nine o'clock a.m. daily.

The change of the temperature from month to month is gradual.
January is generally the warmest and one of the finest months in the
year. The mean temperature, taking an average of several years, is
64°, nearly tbe same as July in England. But in New Zealand, as in
Great Britain, there is now and again an exceptional season. For in-
stance, in January 1868 the weatlier was wet and unsettled, and con-
tinued so until February 3d, when the wind increased to a perfect
hurricane, and the rain came down in torrents for nearly twenty-four
hours, thereby causing the greatest flood ever known in New Zealand.
At Sotara, seven miles from where I write, occurred the most lament-
able event in connection therewith. The Creek, a small stream, rose so
rapidly during the second night, that several dwellings and their occu-
pants were washed away before they had time or opportunity to eflfect an
escape, and nine persons thus perished. At the same time and place
one of the finest orchards in the district was completely swept away,
or so buried beneath the debris left when the waters had subsided,
that scarcely a vestige of its former existence was recognisable.

Even here, where the garden and grounds have a considerable fall,
and within a few hundred yards of the ocean, the lower portion of the
orchard and flower-garden was submerged to the extent of 2 feet of
water, and flowers and fruit-trees, as I thought at the time, hopelessly
destroyed ; but, strange to say, after passing through this watery ordeal
they bore as prolific a crop this season as if nothing unusual had hap-
pened. By the violence of the same storm two large vessels, riding
at anchor in the roads here, and loading wool for London, became total
wrecks, and four lives were lost by the disaster,

I fancy some of your readers saying, " Shipwrecks and floods have no
connection with horticulture : let us hear what you have got to say
on that, and steer ships clear of the columns of the ' Gardener.' " If I
were inclined to raise an argument on that head, I am disposed to think
it could be sustained in the affirmative. But to resume.

The temperature of the month of February is almost the same as
that of January. Mean temperature 65°; it is generally very dry.

In March the temperature falls, but the weather is commonly as dry
as the preceding month. Mean temperature 62°.

In April the weather becomes colder, more unsettled, and rainy.
Mean temperature 57°.

869.]

NEW ZEALAND.

453

The weather of May is much more wet than April ; the air is
sensibly colder ; slight frosts often occur before sunrise. It frequently
happens that we have some of the finest days in the year about the
end of this month, calm temperature, and bright. Mean temperature
54°.

In June the weather is cold and chilly, but sometimes there are de-
lightful days, rivalling those of summer — calm, mild, and clear — -with-
out a cloud to be observed. Mean temperature 49°.

July is in general the worst month in the year, the middle of
winter, cold and wet. The ground retains the moisture longer at this
season than at any other period of the year. I have seen a slight coat-
ing of snow on two occasions in this month, but in neither case did it
lie over twenty-four hours. Mean temperature 48°.

In August the weather commonly improves ; rather less rain than in
July, and towards the end of the mouth the air becomes much warmer.
Mean temperature 47°.

In September spring commences with fine genial weather ; but it
often changes on a sudden to bleak cold days, doing considerable
damage to fruit-trees in blossom. Mean temperature 50°.

The weather in October is rarely the same two years in succession,
occasionally very fine, but more commonly rough and cold, attended
with showers of sleet or hail. This is the worst month in the year
for the gardener. Mean temperature 54°.

In November the temperature rises rapidly, although the weather
in many seasons is often very unsteady, generally less rain falling
than in the two preceding months. Mean temperature 59°.

December is warmer and more dry than November — not so warm
as January, but having nearly the same number of dry days. Mean
temperature 62°.

The number of dry, wet, and showery days that occurred at Oamaru,
during the year 1865, was as follows : —

January,

February,

March,

April,

May,

June,

July,

August,

September,

October, .

November,

December,

)ry.

Wet.

Showery,

29

0

2

25

Ok

2

24

1

6

25

n

2^

18

3

10

20

5

5

21

44

5k

18

Sk

94

19

2

9

23

1

7

231

2

3

28

1

.2

454 THE GARDENER. [Oct.

"What are termed wet days are when the rain was of four hours' con-
tmuance or longer, and showery when it did not last four hours at
one time.

In the previous year, 1864, no rain fell during the months of Jan-
uary, February, and March, and there was only one wet day in April
in that year. 18G6 was also a remarkably dry year. 1867 was more
moist; but in 1868 more rain fell than in all the previous six years
combined; and the present season, 1869, as far as gone, the wet and
showery days nearly double those of 1865. Compared with other dis-
tricts in New Zealand, this is the driest of any — nearly double the
quantity of rain falls at Dunedin, 90 miles south, and about one-third
more at Christchurch, some 150 miles north, of this place. Snow never
lies twenty-four hours at one time, although in the interior of the
district heavy falls often take place, lying from a month to six weeks.
Sharp frosts often occur in January, and I can say, from experience,
that the winter in the interior of the Middle Island of New Zealand
is quite as severe as winter in the north of Scotland generally.

The following flowers and plants have stood in the garden and
grounds without the slightest protection for five winters, and mostly
all bloom vigorously throughout the season — viz.. Geraniums and
Pelargoniums, Fuchsias var., Indian Azaleas, Magnolias, Begonias, Ca-
mellias, and Myrtles. All the Cape and Japanese bulbs that were intro-
duced have done remarkably well. The Peruvian Heliotrope, which is
very susceptible of frost in England, has passed three winters out of
doors without the slightest injury. Many of the tender annuals, as they
are termed in Britain, flower better in winter than in summer. I
shall not enumerate these in the present paper, but, with the permis-
sion of the Editor, shall continue the subject in a future number of the

' Gardener.' Andrew Simpson.

{To he continued.)

PEAKS OK" QUIlSrCE STOCKS TN SCOTLAND.

Some of your correspondents have expressed doubts as to the well-
doing of Pears on Quince Stocks in your country. It is quite possible
that in some soils and on some sites they do not succeed thoroughly,
but they may do well in some places. The enclosed note from one
of the most able pomologists in Scotland, and now living on the banks
of the Tweed, will testify. T. R.

The Standard Pears on the Quince in the orchard-house were sights
to be seen. People sometimes ask how long such trees will live.
Mine have been planted where they are twenty-one years, and some
for a longer period. They are from twenty-four to twenty-seven years
of age, and seem as likely to last as anything I have got. R. 0. B.

1869.] NEW PLANTS OF THE PAST MONTH. 455

NEW PLANTS OF THE PAST MONTH.

The meetings of the "Committees" at South Kensington on the
] 7th of August was the occasion of bringing together not only new-
plants but some new fruits as well. A great curiosity was exhibited
in the form of a gigantic Aroid, which had been sent home to Mr Bull
by Dr Seemann. The plant consisted of an enormous leaf some 7
feet in height, and a fine snake-like marked stem. The species was
recognised by some of the botanists present, but it could not be named
at the moment. A first-class certificate was awarded to Mr Bull for
the Aroid, and also for two handsome forms of Encephalartos named
grandis and plumosa, and also to Macrozamia excelsa, another good
contribution to these highly ornamental plants. Mr Green, gardener
to W. Wilson Saunders, Esq., received a first-class certificate for a new
and graceful South African species of Asparagus, trained on a strong
cord, to which it readily attaches itself. Mr Green deserves much
praise for this and several other handsome ornamental plants of a
similar character which he has introduced of late.

Messrs Kelway & Son of Langport, who on this occasion exhibited
some grand spikes of Gladioli, received a first-class certificate for a fine
new seedling named Medina, white, tinged with faint rose, a bold and
finely-shaped flower, forming a grand spike — also for Cherub and
Accius ; and a second-class certificate for Freemason, a pinkish car-
mine flower of good properties. Mr William Chater, Safi'ron AValden,
was awarded a first-class certificate for a new dwarf form of Ageratum
named Imperial Blue. In addition to a habit unusually dwarf, it
gives an admirable hue of colour, and is remarkably free blooming.
First-class certificates were awarded to Messrs Downie, Laird, &
Laing, Edinburgh and London, for a fine hybrid nosegay Pelar-
gonium named Lady Hawley, of a rich vermilion-red hue, excellent
pip, and large truss ; and for a fine zonal variety named Stanstead
Rival, dark scarlet, with a tinge of purple in the petals, excellent
trusses of bloom, and a neat habit. A first-class certificate was
awarded to Mr William Paul, Waltham Cross, for Euonymus
flavescens, a good addition tO this useful class of ornamental ever-
green shrubs.

To Mr C. J. Perry, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, first-class cer-
tificates were awarded for Verbena' Ada King, with large pure white
flowers of fine substance and excellent truss ; and for Thomas Lawden,
pinkish rose, with crimson eye, a finely-shaped flower. Mr Eckford,
The Gardens, Coleshill, Berks, also received first-class certificates for
the following Verbenas : Eclipse, very dark scarlet, of fine form and
substance ; Harry Eckford, deep crimson, fine pip, and good truss ;

2 H

456 THE GARDENER. [Oct.

and Lady Anne Speirs, large pale rose centre, edged witli white, showy
and fine.

On this occasion the Fruit Committee awarded a first-class certificate
to Mr Dry, Hayes, ]\Iiddlesex, for a dish of a new Plum named Dry's
Seedling. It is a large oval purple-coloured Plum of excellent flavour,
early, having been grown as a standard. Mr M'Laren of Ash Com-
mon, Surrey, received a first-class certificate for a seedling double-bear-
ing Raspberry, for its robust habit, fertility, and size of the fruit. Mr
J. R. Pearson of the Chilwell Nurseries, Nottingham, sent to this
meeting several varieties of seedling Grapes, three of which were con-
sidered by the Committee to possess some merit, and recommended
that their cultivation should be continued. One variety had white
berries and a Frontignan flavour, the bunch long ; another had the
flavour of the Muscadine ; and a third resembled the Black Morocco.

The Committee met again on the 7th of September. Mr A. Parsons,
Danesbury Gardens, Wellwyn, received first-class certificates for two
very singular forms of Lastrea — L. filix-mas ramisissisima and L.
filia-mas parvula ; the last named had a diminutive habit of growth
not unlike Parsley. In the way of Ferns, Messrs J. & C. Lee, the
well-known nurserymen of Hammersmith, received a first-class certifi-
cate for a very fine variety of Adiantum capillis-veneris.

The same firm also received a first-class certificate for a fine Hybrid
Perpetual Rose named Clemence Raoux ; colour pale salmon, tipped
with deep rose, large, full, and unusually fragrant.

Mr Eckford of Coleshill Gardens received a first-class certificate for a
seedling hybrid Ivy-leaved Pelargonium named Lady Edith, of robust
habit, the foliage marked with a well-defined zone, colour of the flowers
purplish rose, and a fair-sized truss. The same exhibitor received a
similar award for Verbena Countess of Radnor, pale lilac ground, hav-
ing a dark shading in the centre, a distinct and pretty flower.

Mr Charles Turner, Slough, received first-class certificates for Dahlias
Toison d'Or, a bright-yellow self flower of fine properties — and Harvard,
lilac rose, a very pleasing flower ; Mr Parker, Wingfield, for Queen of
the Yellows ; and Mr Burgess, Chelsea, for William Lund, a fine dark
maroon self.

Mr William Bull was awarded a special certificate for a good speci-
men of his beautiful Melastomad, Lasiandra macrantha, certainly a fine
new introduction.

To continue this record of new plants, reference must be had to the
Exhibition of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society at Edin-
burgh on September 8th. On this occasion several first-class certifi-
cates were awarded to new plants as under : —

To Messrs P. Lawson & Son for Biota orientalis elegantissima, a

1869.] HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 457

fine addition to tlie Variegated Coniferse ; and for Ilex Lawsoniana, a
distinct variegated Holly of great promise. These were selected from
a very interesting group of seedling Coniferae and other hardy orna-
mental plants, among which Taxus adpressa variegata and Cupres-
sus Lindleyana variegatus appeared to be thoroughly distinct and
good. Also for gold and bronze zonal Pelargoniums David Webster
and Ptichard Dean, both with finely-marked leaves and good habits ;
also for Bangholme Bower, a dwarf-growing silver-edged variegated
Pelargonium, likely to be of value as an edging plant ; to variegated
zonal Pelargonium John Stewart, a golden-edged variety in indifferent
condition, and, as shown, not so good as others in cultivation ; and for
Lobelia Tyninghame Blue, a fine dark form of L. erinus speciosa, with
large bold flowers, remarkably free, and of good habit.

Messrs Downie, Laird, & Laing received first-class certificates for
gold and bronze Pelargoniums Prima Donna, Imperatrice Eugenie,
Mrs Lewis Loyd, and Mrs Lowndes, all very fine and distinct ; and for
Hollyhock Richard Dean, of a rich glowing dark-crimson hue, very
full, and of fine shape.

First-class certificates were also awarded to Viola lutea pallida, a
sulphur-coloured form of Viola lutea, but with flowers three times the
ordinary size ; to bedding Pansy Purple King, a very common form,
frequently met with in gardens ; and to Viola cornuta variegata, the
leaves slightly edged with creamy white.

Of the new fruits sent to the Edinburgh Show a first-class certifi-
cate was awarded to Messrs Peter Lawson &, Son for Webster's Gage
Plum, raised by Mr Webster of Gordon Castle Gardens from a cross
between Coe's Golden Drop and the Green Gage, a fine pale Plum of
large size, plump, and of exquisite flavour. A seedling Grape, exhibited
by Mr William Melville, Dalmeny Park Gardens, obtained from a cross
between Snow's Black Muscat and Lady Downes, was considered to be
of a very promising character. R. D.

JS"OTES ON HABDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS.

PRIMULA.
{Continued froyn page 410.)

P. denticidata is a species of considerable interest and beauty. It
is rather vigorous in habit, with large oblong lanceolate toothed leaves,
hairy on both sides, but densely so beneath, especially on the veins.
The stoutish flower-stalks rise to the height of 9 inches or a foot in
luxuriant individuals, and terminate in compact umbels of many small

458 THE GARDENER. [Oct.

bright lilac flowers. It is a very hardy and accommodating species ;
for though usually classed among Alpines, it succeeds very well in the
open border in most places where light rich loam and a dry bottom
exist; but it is undoubtedly most at home on well-drained rock-work,
where it can be liberally supplied with water during the growing sea-
son. Good rich loam, a little peat, and abundance of gritty sand,
form the most fitting compost for it on rock-work, or in pots if it
should be cultivated in them, as it occasionally is, for the decoration
of the greenhouse and conservatory in sp ring. It bears a little forc-
ing, and may be had in bloom a month or six weeks earlier than the
natural flowering period by being placed in gentle heat in January
and February. The flowers appear in April, May, and June. Native
of the Himalaya.

P. denticulata var. nana. — Under this name Messrs Backhouse of
York recently introduced from the Himalaya a sort of Primula that
must be considered a decided improvement on the older P. denticulata,
if it is not indeed entitled to be regarded as a distinct species. The
leaves are similar in form and texture to those of P. denticulata, the
flower-stalks are stouter, and the dense umbels of bluish-purple flowers
are nearly twice as broad, and the flowers are conspicuously marked
with a yellow eye. It is a vigorous, hardy plant, and forms a striking
object on rock-work or in pots. The same soil and treatment as for
P. denticulata.

P. cortusoldes is a very pretty species from Siberia. It forms com-
pact tufts of bright green heart-shaped bluntly-toothed leaves ; the
flower-stalks, slender and erect, are slightly shaggy with long soft hairs ;
the umbels are compact and rather large, and the flowers deep rose.
It is a very showy species, and best adapted for the rock- work ; rarely
very satisfactory in the open border, except in the most favourable situ-
ations— not but that it is perfectly hardy as regards capability of re-
sisting cold, only it requires a freer drainage at all times than generally
can be secured at the ordinary ground-level. In summer, however,
it will take astonishing supplies of water while making growth if the
drainage is good. Sandy rich loam suits it best. Flowers through-
out May, June, and July. A more robust and darker-flowered variety
named P. cortusoides amoena is in cultivation, but rare ; it is remark-
ably distinct as a variety from this species. There is also a white
variety of more diminutive growth, but still more rare, well worth
cultivating, but difficult to keep up.

P. amoena is perhaps the finest of the denticulata section. The
leaves are of the same form as those of P. denticulata, but narrower
and less acutely toothed ; the flower-stalks are stouter, and rise to
the height of 9 inches or a foot ; the umbels are larger, as are also the

1869.] HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 459

individual flowers, which are bright lilac, with a clear pale eye. A
moist but well-drained position on rock-work is the most suitable for it,
and peat and loam, with plenty of gritty sand, the most congenial com-
post. Flowers in March, April, and May. Native of the Caucasus.

P. erosa, syn. Fortunei.—TYn.^ is another near relative of P. denti-
culata, but quite distinct. It is about equal in stature, but the flower-
stalks, which are rather stouter, are invariably mealy, except in starved
individuals suffering from drought and continuous exposure to the
sun. The flowers, which are somew^hat larger than those of P. denticu-
lata, are purplish lilac, with a conspicuous yellow eye. It is a charm-
ing rock-plant, requiring the same soil and treatment as the others in
this section. Flowers in March and April.

P. farinosa is a species of altogether another type from any of the
foregoing, but not less attractive and beautiful. It is compact, dwarf,
and somewhat tufted in habit. The leaves are small, covered all over
— on the under side densely — with mealy down of musky odour ; the
flower-stems rise 5 or 6 inches above the leaves, bearing many-flowered
umbels of deep rose-lilac or purple yellow-eyed flowers. It is a beauti-
ful rock-plant, and should be provided with a well-drained but moist
and moderately shady spot ', in the growing season it can hardly be
kept too moist. The compost most congenial to it is mostly peat, a
little loam, and abundance of sharp sand. Flowers in May, June, and
July. Native of Britain and other parts of Europe.

P. Scotica, confined, in Britain at least, to one or two localities in the
north of Scotland, with broader leaves, shorter and stouter flow^er_
stems, and broader and shorter lobes to the corolla, which is purple
with a yellow eye, but in all other respects resembling P. farinosa, is
by botanists considered as only a well-marked variety of that species.

P. farinosa var. acauUs is a remarkable and interesting variety, being
almost destitute of flower-stem, and forming the small umbels of flower
scarcely in relief of the mealy white foliage.

P. longijiora is closely related to P. farinosa, but is scarcely so showy.
The style of growth and mealy foliage are similar, but the little umbels
are less compact, and the flower-tubes, as implied in the specific name,
are very long ; it is, in fact, more interesting and pretty than showy.
The soil and treatment recommended for P. farinosa are what this
Species requires also. Flowers bright red in May, June, and July.
Native of the Alps.

P. 7ninima. — This is quite a little gem, very diminutive, with small
wedge-shaped, smooth leaves, rather boldly notched or toothed at the
tops. The flower-stems are short, bearing usually only one bright rose-
coloured, white-eyed flower, an inch or more in diameter. It is best
adapted for rock-work, and should have the same soil and treatment as

460 THE GARDENER. [Oct.

recommended for P. farinosa. Native of tlie mountains of Switzerland
and the Pyrenees. Flowers in April and May.

P. intermedia. — This excellent Primula is reputed a hybrid between
P. minima and P. ciliata. It is of vigorous grow^th, and resembles
some of the varieties of P. auricula in its smooth pale-green foliage,
which is destitute of farina. The flower-stems are stout and erect, about
9 inches high, and support umbels of bright purplish-crimson flowers.
Adapted for either the rock- work or mixed border in rich light sandy
loam, well-drained but moist. Flowers in April and May.

P. Stuartii. — This is perhaps the finest of the yellow-flowered Prim-
ulas. It is a vigorous species, with long lanceolate acute leaves, sharply
serrated, and covered below with pale sulphur-coloured meal. Flower-
stems also mealy, rather stout, about 1 foot high, bearing an involucrate
umbel composed of many large yellow flowers ; involucre composed of
many smallish leaves. The rock-work is most congenial to this species;
it delights in abundant moisture in the growing period, but in winter
it is very impatient of wet. Flow^ers in June and July. Native of
Nepaul.

P. Sikkimensis. — This is one of the best of the yellow-flowered
species, and is very distinct from the last-named. The leaves are ob-
long, rather blunt at the points, unequally toothed. The flower- stems
rise to the height of 1 foot or more, bearing rather loose umbels of
large pendant flowers of a pale-yellow or sulphur colour. Succeeds
best on rock-work well drained, in soil the same as recommended for P.
Stuartii. It is, how^ever, very impatient of damp in winter, though
equally fond of it in summer, and in cold wet localities it would be
advisable to keep a plant or two in pots in a dry cold frame to prevent
loss of stock. Flowers in May and June. Native of the Himalaya.

P. Pallnuri is another very beautiful yellow-flowered species. It
grows to the height of about 9 inches or a foot, with smooth serrated
spathulate leaves and a stoutish flower-stem bearing a lax umbel of
large yellow nodding flowers. Succeeds in light rich loam, moist, but
well drained, either on the open border or on rock-work. Native of the
south of Europe. Flowers in April and May.

P. verticillata. — This is a beautiful and elegant species, with the
peculiarity as implied in the specific name of bearing the flowers in
whorls. The leaves are oblong, almost lanceolate, sharply serrated, and
mealy underneath — tube of the corolla long, and the colour yellow. It
is a very desirable species, but requires the protection of a dry cold
frame during winter in this climate. Flowers in March and April.
Native of Egypt. Same soil and treatment in summer as the fore-
going.

P. Munroi is a very distinct and beautiful species. It is pretty

1869.] CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS. 461

robust in growth. The leaves are longish ovate, slightly cordate at the
base. Flower-stem stout and erect, about 9 inches high, with a compact
umbel of large white flowers. Very handsome on rock-work in gritty
peat and loam ; kept moist in summer and dry in winter. Flowers in
May and June. Native of Northern India.

P. iiwolucrata is nearly related to the last-named species, but gene-
rally considered inferior to it. It is not so vigorous. Leaves in shape
and texture similar, but not cordate at the base ; flower-stems weaker,
and the umbel fewer flowered. Flowers white in April and May-
Native of Northern India. Soil and treatment the same as for P.
Munroi. W. S.

THE CULTIVATION" OF HARDY FRUITS. .

THE APPLE.

{Continued from page 397.)

Another great enemy to the cultivation of the Apple is the Anthony-

mus pomorum, commonly known as the Apple weevil. This small

insect, which is from one and a half to two lines in length, has often

been found to destroy almost the whole crop of an orchard. It finds

a shelter under the bark of the tree or amongst the soil at the roots

thereof in winter : when spring has come in, and the buds begin

to get soft and full of sap, the female parent ascends thereto, and with

her proboscis bores a hole into the bud, whereby she is enabled to

deposit a single egg in every blossom. As she produces a great

number of eggs, a very few females are necessary to destroy every bud

upon a large tree. According to the state or condition of the weather

these eggs will be hatched, and produce the grub or larva of the weevil

from the middle of April till the first or second week of May. As

soon as they have arrived at this stage of existence so soon does their

work of destruction begin. The generative parts of the blossom are

always the first to suffer, although eventually the whole contents of

the bud are often devoured. It is very rapid in its transformation

from one stage of existence to another, as a few days only elapse until

it is changed into the beetle form. In this stage it remains, and

during summer and autumn lodges upon the tree and feeds upon

the foliage. Ere winter has set, it secures for itself a habitation

under the loose bark of the tree, which position it generally prefers ;

but should no such lodgment present itself, it seeks repose amongst

the soil and roots. The cure recommended by most of our writers

is the application of spirits of tar to the trunk and branches during

462 THE GARDENER. [Oct.

winter. Of its efficacy I have not the smallest doubt whatever, but
I should very much fear the result of such an application upon the
general health and wellbeing of the tree. I should rather prefer to
have the whole of the loose bark removed during winter, and thereafter
wash the whole tree with a good hard brush and soap and water.
Thereafter remove all the soil to the depth of 1 inch all round the
tree where there is a possibility of any of them having fallen during
the operation. This done, I have great faith in its beneficial results.

The Rhynchites Bacchus or purple Apple weevil proves often very
injurious to fruit-trees about midsummer, when the fruit is half swollen.
Having bored a hole into the interior of the Apple, it therein deposits
its eggs, which in the course of a few days produce a whitish sort of
grub. It feeds upon the flesh of the Apple for a few weeks ; and
about the beginning of September it leaves and buries itself in the
soil, where it remains for the winter. A good plan to destroy it is to
shake a quantity of quicklime underneath the tree about the month
of June and July, thereafter shaking the tree to make them fall, when
the effects of lime upon them while in the grub state will destroy
every one of them. All fruit which has fallen through their instru-
mentality should at once be gathered and destroyed, as by so doing a
number of them are sure to perish.

The Tenthredo testudinea, or Apple saw-fly, is another enemy which
not only destroys the blossoms but also the fruit. About the end of
May it deposits its eggs on the blossom, which by the end of June or
beginning of July have assumed their larva form. The larva thereupon
makes a regular attack upon the flesh of the fruit, more particularly upon
that portion of it next the core. In the course of a short time, through
the injury sustained b}'' the Apple, it falls to the ground, whereupon
the larva sets to work to eat himself out of his prison. This accom-
plished, it commences to make a cocoon for itself in the earth, where
it remains till the following spring. Gathering the fallen Apples and
consigning them to the fire is the simplest and best mode of destroying
them, as at that season of the year the fruit is the only place where
they are to be found. Removing the soil for a few inches deep round
the trees in winter may prove a very great help to destroy them.

The Carpocapsa pomonella, or codling moth, is another enemy
to be contended against, and in its habits and depredations it much
resembles the purple Apple weevil. It begins its work much ear-
lier in the season, however, depositing its eggs about the middle of
May either on the stalk or in the eye of the young fruit. Shortly
thereafter the grub makes its appearance, and eats its way into the
Apple, where it remains and obtains its food for several weeks. The
fruit so attacked usually falls to the ground, where a cocoon is gener-

1869.] CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS. 463

ally formed, and a change thereafter into the chrysalis form. Shortly
after it appears in its perfect state as a moth, and is succeeded by
another generation of grubs. The same means must be adopted to
destroy it as already recommended in the former cases — viz., destroy-
ing the affected ilpples and cleaning the stems of the trees, as well as
removing the soil around the roots in winter.

The Rhynchites alliaria, or stem-boring weevil, at times proves very
injurious to nurserymen and other propagators of the Apple by depos-
iting its eggs in newly-grafted scions, and thereafter cutting them
over in early spring. It is of a steel-blue colour, and not more than
one and a half lines in length. This is perhaps the most curious and
scientific enemy with which we have to contend, and it may prove
interesting to many to give a detailed account of its operations as
noticed and recorded by KoUar. He says : " As soon as she has reached
the most suitable part of the shoot, she marks the place by a prick or
by a small cut where she intends to cut off the bud or shoot. She
then recedes about a line upwards and begins (with her head turned
downwards) on the side that is not next the tree to bore it with her
proboscis till she reaches the middle of the shoot. With it she also
widens the chamber and prepares it for her offspring. She then places
herself over the entrance and lays an egg, which is pushed in by the
proboscis and conveyed to the proper place. This operation lasts an
hour. Immediately after, the female returns to the former place to cut
off the shoot, moving it from the one side to the other with her proboscis
until she has cut it to a certain depth ; she then gives some decided
thrusts, which she continues without fatigue till the shoot only hangs
by the under part. When she observes this she gets up on tlie point
of the twig to make it fall over by her own weight. It not unfre-
quently happens that it falls immediately, the shoot having previously
been so cut as to remain attached to the stem only by the bark. If the
beetle, however, finds that the pierced shoot does not fall, she turns back
to labour again at the same place, and cuts still deeper into the branch,
and if she is not able to divide it, she gets up once more to the extrem-
ity, by which means she generally succeeds in bringing the separated
branch to the ground. When this labour is over she feeds upon a leaf,
scraping off the epidermis, which serves her as food. After the beetle
has rested for an hour she goes again to work, and if there be still a
place for the reception of a second egg on the shoot she has divided
from the stem, she bores a second hole with her proboscis near the first,
and laying another egg, pushes it into its proper place. When the
twilight comes on she reposes under a leaf for the night. Next morn-
ing, as soon as the sun is up, the female beetle again begins her work,
and often continues this employment until after the end of June, so as

464 THE GARDENER [Oct.

by this means to leave a numerous offspring behind her. The egg in
the shoot is hatched in the course of eight days, and a white grub with
a black head then makes its appearance. It feeds upon the pith of the
shoot, and if the shoots fall off it arrives at its full size in four weeks.
It then leaves its dwelling and buries itself some inches deep in the
earth. It there prepares itself a roomy chamber, in which it remains
till spring, when it again appears as a steel-blue-coloured weevil." To
destroy this enemy, all the fallen shoots ought to be removed at once
and burned, and in winter the soil ought to be removed to the depth
of 5 or 6 inches. With care and attention to these two particulars,
and at the same time burning the soil removed, the enemy may at once
and effectually be removed.

Aspidiotus conchiformis, or Apple-tree mussel-scale, is most prevalent
upon trees trained upon the wall, yet, nevertheless, it is sometimes to
be found upon standards also. It is very small, and invariably of the
same colour as the bark, so that its presence is not easily detected. It
attacks both the trunk and branches, and proves often very destructive.
The scales are of a dark shining appearance, and sometimes so numer-
ous as to be laid layer above layer. They sometimes extend even to
the fruit, and when this is the case, they entirely destroy its appear-
ance. Many methods have been adopted for its destruction, but the
most simple, and perhaps the least injurious to the tree, is to scrape
the bark thoroughly, and thereafter to wash the branches with soft
soap and warm water, scrubbing it well with a hard brush. This
may be done in winter, and again in spring. Let all the soil, to the
depth of an inch, be removed under the tree, and burned, and the
chances are that a second application may not be necessary.

There are several varieties of the caterpillar which prove very in-
jurious to Apple and other fruit trees. The principal ones, however,
are the Episema cseruleocephala, or caterpillar of the figure of 8 moth ;
the Hibernia brumata, or caterpillar of the winter moth ; the Zeuzera
assculi, or wood-leopard moth caterpillar ; and the Cossus ligniperda,
or caterpillar of the goat moth. Each and all of these often prove
very injurious to our fruit-trees in spring and summer, by either
boring into the wood under the bark, or eating and otherwise destroy-
ing the foliage. Some of them even attack the buds, blossoms, and
young fruit. The most common one, however, is the Yponomenta
malivorella, or caterpillar of the ermine Apple moth, which covers the
shoots and branches with thick webs in early summer. In these webs
it makes cocoons, which change shortly after into a chrysalis, which,
by the beginning of July, produces the perfect moth. Its nourish-
ment is entirely derived from the leaves of the tree. The best and
surest method to destroy the whole of this family is to hand-pick them.

1S69.] HAMBURG HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION. 465

at the same time having quicklime pretty freely sprinkled around
the bottom of the tree, so that those which fall may be destroyed
thereby. James M'Millan.

{To he cmitinuecl.)

P.S. — I notice in my last article (see p. 397) that I have very in-
advertently made a slight mistake, which I hasten to rectify. In
speaking of the receipt for destroying mealy bug, as given to me by
Mr Rose, I ought to have written, " To one part spirits of tar, one part
paraffin, must be added two parts of train-oil." In place of the word
" paraffin " I have written " turpentine ;" and in case it may lead to
any mistake, I have now rectified it at the earliest opportunity.

J. M'M.

THE HAMBURG INTEKNATIOITAIi HORTICULTURAIi

EXHIBITION.

For this event great preparations were made. £16,000 was spent in laying out
splendid grounds and making suitable erections for the occasion. Committees
were appointed in every nation in Europe, and exhibitions invited. Our own
Queen gave a Silver Cup to be competed for by Grape-growers. The terms on
which this was to be done were forwarded to us, along with others — i.e., three
bunches of distinct sorts of Grapes. I entered for this cup, and got a certificate
that I had entered properly, and sent, the Grapes accordingly, with what result
the following letter, which I addressed to the Council, will show ; my reason
for thus making the matter so public being to guard others from becoming the
dupes of such perfidy in the future. The sole object of the change from three
bunches to a collection was the determination to award the Cup if possible to one
of their own countrymen, entirely irrespective of merit ; but Mr Meredith was
able so to shift his ground — having a great many grapes with him — as to make
such a deed too glaringly ridiculous, and got the Cup, which, as the only individual
who complied strictly with their printed rules, ought to have been awarded to me,
as is pretty clearly indicated by the following extract from the leader on the sub-
ject in 'The Chronicle :' "There was an unfortunate misunderstanding about the
terms for the Queen's Cup, as it was supposed it was to be given to the best speci-
mens of Grapes " (it was no supposition at all, it was clearly in their schedule and
advertised in ' The Chronicle ' — in the one as three bunches, in the other as three
bunches distinct sorts) ; " but the terms were altered at the last moment to ' an
assortment.' There was nothing, however, to come the least near the British
Grapes with which Mr Meredith won the Cup, though in all probability Mr Thomson
would have been successful had not the terms been altered. His three bunches
were quite wonderful, and excited immense interest."

Copy of Letter sent to De E. Gotze.

The Gardens, Dalkeith Park,
Septemher 2d, 1869.
Sir, — I sent my son to your exhibition with the three bunches of Grapes I en-
tered for the Cup offered by the Queen of England, and I have just received the

466 THE GARDENER. [Oct.

following telegram from him : " Meredith first. Been diequalified. Prize
altered from three bunches to a collection."

If I understand this right, it means that you have given the Cup to a large col-
lection of Grapes instead of three bunches ; and on all the principles of fair deal-
ing and common honesty, I protest against such a change, aad claim the Cup, if
my three bunches were the best that were exhibited, and properly entered as
three bunches for the prize in question.

The 'Gardeners' Chronicle' has been the English organ of the exhibition, and on
the 17th of July the following paragraph appeai'ed in it : " We leai*n officially
from Hamburg that the Queen's Silver Cup is to be given for the best three
bunches of Grapes." On the faith of thi.s auaouncement, I wrote and entered
tltree bunches for the dtp, and added, that if I was in error in supposing it was to
be given for three bunches, I begged to be corrected. The only reply I got was a
certificate that I had entered them, and a card to place on them, which was an
acknowledgment that I was right ; and I sent three bunches of Grapes, weighing
more than 13 lb., and at great expense. And I now demand an explanation of
what to me admits of none, except that of keeping faith with me, or any one else
more deserving who may have complied with your rules.

I here beg to state that I will accept of no other prize from your Society for my
Grapes in the place of that for which they were entered.

Awaiting your early reply, I am, your obedient servant, Wm. Thomson.

Dr E. Gotze, Secretary to the Council.

I have reason to believe I was by no means the only individual who had
cause to complain of the way they were treated on the occasion referred to ; and
all exhibitors, whether natives or foreigners, were compelled to pay IBs. on the
fii'st day of the exhibition before they could gain an entrance to see their own
productions — a piece of extortion never heard of before — and many got their
plants, or cuttings from them, stolen altogether.

Wm. Thomson.

ROYAL CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Great International Fruit and Flower Show at Edinburgh,

September 8 and 9.

It must be confessed that, in every sense of the word, that was one of the grand-
est exhibitions of Grapes ever held ; notwithstanding, there was a falling off in
other fruits. Grapes were not only largely represented, but they were of the
finest quality ; and in regard to variation, it was a very interesting exhibition, as
so many kinds were produced, giving a good opportunity to compare sorts. Some
of the plants were finely shown, and were worthy the best exhibition ever held.
Hollyhocks, both in spikes and cut flowers, were grand. Dahlias had sufi'ered
from the recent frosts.

But the fruit was yet the feature of the Show, and in the large room in which
the several lots were arranged, there the crowd of visitors congregated from the
opening of the Exhibition till its close. In a space so restricted as ours it is
impossible to go into full details of what was exhibited on this occasion, so we
must confine ourselves to referring to some of the leading classes about which the
popular interest appeared to be largely attracted. One of the most singular fea-
tures of the show was the bringing to the fore in such a conspicuous manner of

1869.] CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 467

an entirely new exliibitor, Mr George Jolinston, gardener to Earl Strathmore^
Glamis Castle. The victories gained by Mr Johnston were not only numerous,
but in many instances singularly decisive. It may here be stated that the Grapes
shown by Mr Johnston were from Vines three years planted, and growing in
aerated borders. Whether this system be correct or not (and high authorities are
divided on this point), there can be no doubt but that on this occasion the prin-
ciple of aerated borders has produced splendid results ; though whether these re-
sults are of a fitful, and consequently uncertain, chai'acter, or whether they are
certain and enduring, remains to be seen. It is, however, a remarkable circum-
stance that Mr Fowler, who was all-powerful four years ago, was not an exhibitor
on this occasion, his borders being aerated.

Mr Johnston had a decisive victory in the class for eight varieties of Grapes —
one bunch of each. He had Black Morocco, vex'y fine indeed ; Kaisin du Calabre,
also fine ; Lady Downes Se-edling ; Duchess of Buccleuch, a grand though small-
berried Grape, perhaps unsurpassed for flavour ; Black Hamburg, Muscat of
Alexandria, Muscat Hamburg, and Alicante, very finely finished, 2d, Mr Ban-
nerman, gardener to Lord Bagot, Rugby, with Alicante, Gros Guillaume, Muscat
of Alexandria, Lady Downes, Black Teneriffe, Mrs Piuce, "West's St Peter's, and
Black Hamburg. 3d, Mr Thomson, Dalkeith, with Black Hamburg, Muscat of
Alexandria, very fine ; Mrs Pince, Trebbiano, Golden Champion in fine condition,
and looking all over a first-class Grape ; Lady Downes, the new white Lady
Downes, to all appearance a splendid late Grape, and Alicante. Messrs Lane & Son
of Berkhampstead also exhibited. With four kinds of Grapes, one bunch of each,
Mr William Bryden, gardener to Sir William Wallace, Lochryan House, Wigtown-
shire, had an excellent lot, well up in size both in bunch and berry ; his Golden
Hamburg was quite first-rate, and so was Alicante, with very good Bowood Mus-
cat and Muscat Hamburg. Mr M'Connochie, gardener to A. Smollett, Esq., Cam-
eron House, Dumbartonshire, had Black Morocco, Muscat of Alexandria, Black
Prince, and Hamburg, very good and uniform. Mr William Meade, gardener to
Raikes Currie, Esq., Minely Manor, had Muscat Hamburg very fine in his group. Mr
Bannerman had Gros Guillaume in good order ; Mr Meredith, who was not placed,
had Hamburg and Lady Downes, good ; and Mr Lees, Tynninghame, had also a fair
collection. In the two-bunch Black Hamburg, two Muscat of Alexandria, one
bunch of each of the above named, one Alicante, one Lady Downes, one flavoured
white, Duchess of Buccleuch, one flavoured black, Muscat Hamburg ; one finest
bloom, the Alicante just referred to, and a collection of Grapes, not included in
other classes — in these ten diS'erent classes, wonderful to relate, Mr Johnston
was first. All his Grapes showed excellent cultivation, and for a young exhibitor
the wonder is how he brought and staged them so safely without destroying the
bloom. If there was one bunch more than another that created almost a sensa-
tion, it was the Alicante, so finely grown in the first instance as to assume model
proportions, and then so densely covered with bloom as if it had been under the
influence of a " heavy dew " out of doors. In these classes, keeping out the col-
lection of Grapes and the bloom, there were from seventeen to twenty-four entries,
showing how well the prizes were contested. Mr Bryden took second prize
with good Muscat of Alexandria. Mr Louden, gardener to T. Barnes, Esq.,
Salop, had the best ripened bunches, but the berries were small. Mr Kirk-
patrick, gardener to Lord Abercromby, Airthrey Castle, had fine bunches ;
and 80 had Mr Ingram, Alnwick, and Mr Lees. Mr Meade and Mr Ingram
had good single bunches of Muscat of Alexandria. Mr Bannerman had a
good second lot of Lady Downes. Mr Brunton, gardener to Sir D. Kin-
loch, Gilmerton ; Mr Fraser, Biggar ; and Mr Meredith, also had good dishes.

468 ^ THE GARDENER. [Oct.

In Black Hamburg Mr M'Connocliie had a nicely-formed bunch, which took
second place; Mr James Hannah, gardener to John Duncan, Esq., Burnhead ;
Mr J. Anderson, gardener to J. F. Webb, Esq., Nevvstead Abbey, Nottingham,
and others, had fine fruit. Mr Wm. Melville, gardener, Glenlee, New Galloway,
had the second prize for Alicante ; Mr George Greig, gardener to Wm. Christie,
Esq., Greenpark, Liberton, and Mr M'Millan, also showing well. For Hamburps
in pairs there were twenty-three entries, Mr Walker Bassett, gardener to J. S.
Philips, Esq., Cheadle, running the winner very hard for position, backed up well
by Mr Stevens, Trentham. The finest-flavoured Grapes in white and black, out
of respectively nineteen and seventeen entries, were declared to be Duchess of
Buccleuch and Muscat Hamburg ; Mr Jno. Brunton taking position after Mr John-
ston. The heaviest black Grape (Black Hamburg, 6 lb. 4 oz.) came from ]\Ir
James Douglas, gardener to F. Whitbourne, Esq., Loxford Hall, Essex, and Mr
Laing — both Hamburgs ; and the heaviest white was a Brobdingnagian Syrian,
weighing 16>^ lb., and in good general order. This came from Mr James Dickson,
gardener to John Jardine, Esq., Arkelton. The Messrs Lane had a wonderfully
large bunch of Muscat of Alexandria. Muscat Hamburg was well shown by Mr
David Morrison, Mr Bryden, and by Mr James Turner, gardener to Mark Sprott,
Esq., Elddle. For the best pair of Mrs Pince's Muscat, Mr Meredith had extra
fine samples, large in size, fine in formation of bunch, and well finished — much
better than any exhibited by his compeers. It looks valuable as a variety. Mr
James Douglas and Mr John M'Donald, gardener to Mrs Sharp Erskine, Duni-
marle Castle, had the other lots. Mr Thomson had the best assortment of varie-
ties of Black Hamburgs, comprising Richmond Villa, a small but finely -hammei-ed
berry ; Old Black, a little larger and redder in the tinge ; a seedling black, much
inclined to shoulder, fine bloom ; Champion, smaller than we have seen it ; and
Dutch. Mr Johnston, who had the second collection, had the Mill Hill variety,
fine in colour, in addition to some of those named above. In the collection of Mus-
cats Mr Ingram had the largest bunches, and Mr Thomson the smallest in the ripest
condition. The lots comprised Escholata, loosely arranged in bunch ; Tottenham
Park, Bowood, Candia, Tynninghame, the least ripe of the group ; and Canon Hall.
Mr Thomson also exhibited the White Lady Downes in very promising conditioa,
but unripe.

Respecting the exhibition of Grapes, the ' Nottinghamshire Guardian ' says :
"Messrs Lane & Sons, the great nurserymen of Berkhampstead, are generally con-
sidered first-class Grape-growers. They entered splendid Grapes in eight classes,
and gained only one third prize ; while many who went down with high hopes of
success got no prize at all. In the contest for flavour, it will be seen the prizes fell
to the Muscat Hamburg and Mr Thomson's Duchess of Buccleuch. Thip;, in
point of flavour, is doubtless an exquisite Grape, and it is also a free-beariug
kind, with bunches of good size ; but the smallness of the berry is, and ever must
be, a drawback upon its general cultivation. Mrs Pince's Black Muscat, which
some of our friends are finding much fault with, was shown in splendid conditioa
by Mr Meredith. We believe it to be strictly a winter Grape ; for, planted side
by side with the Muscat of Alexandria and other kinds, with the advantage of
bottom-heat to the border, we find it to be still some weeks from being ripe,
while the Muscats are shrivelling. We are also convinced the variety requires
ample room for development, and that, grown upon the extension principle, a
Vine or two to a house, it will prove the best and most useful New-year's Grape
in cultivation. We ask those who are condemning it prematurely to 'cease
their railing,' and our prognostication will be verified."

In the collections of fruits, which formed a very fine feature of the Exhibition,

1869.] CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 4G9

twenty sorts, by Mr Stevens, gardener to the Duke of Sutherland, Trentham, won
the first prize. In ihia group were good Providence and Queen Pines, very fine
Black Hamburg Grapes, excellent Muscats, and some others of less note ; a beau-
tiful cluster of Banana, in matured condition, Brown Turkey and Lee's Perpetual
Figs, the usual varieties of Peaches and Nectarines, good Persian and Trentham
Hybrid Melons, Coe's Golden Drop Plum, Moorpark Apricot, Raspberries, Straw-
berries, and Cherries. The small fruit was shown in dishes, the large in boxes,
and the whole was well arranged. The second prize was awarded to Mr John-
stone, gardener to the Earl of Strathallan, who had magnificent Grapes. Mi-
Thomson, Dalkeith, was placed third with a beautifully-arranged assortment in a
square' box, divided into several compartments. It consisted of Queen and
Prickly Cayenne Pines, a pair of Dalkeith Park Melons, fronted with Golden
Champion, in grand order as to form and colour ; then Alicante, Muscat of Alex-
andria, Mrs Pince's, Buckland Sweetwater, and Black Hamburg, all very good.
In front of these again were good Victoria and Prince of AVales Plums, Bellegarde
Peaches in fine style, Pitmarston Orange Nectarine, and several of the small fruits,
which latter weakened the collection considerably. Mr Ingram, gardener to the
Duke of Northumberland, Alnwick Castle, was placed fourth ; he put up a most
creditable assortment.

In the collection of 16 sorts, Mr Mathieson, gardener to the Plon. Mrs Villiers,
Tulliallan, had a very fine assortment, nicely arranged, and shown in chip baskets,
suitably garnished ; it comprised excellent Black Hamburg, Muscat, and Black
Morocco Grapes, Scarlet Gem Melons, extraordinarily fine Barrington, and very
fine-coloured Early Crawford and Royal Peaches ; Violet Hative and Tawny Nec-
tarines, the latter in grand colour ; Moorpark Apricot, Kirke's Seedling, and Mag-
num Bonum Plums (the latter three grown in pots), and Morello Cherries. Mr
Lees, gardener to the Earl of Haddington, Tynninghame, had good Hamburg
and Muscat Grapes ; some fine Peaches, Apricots, Plums, and Pears. Mr Temple,
gardener to J. Balfour, Esq. of Balbirnie, had, in addition to good Grapes, fine
Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, and a Trentham Hybrid Melon. Mr John Laing,
gardener to E. Cathcart, Esq., Pitcairlie, had among his lot good Brown Turkey
Figs. Mr James Philips, gardener to J. H. Barton, Esq., Stapleton Park,
Pontefract ; Mr James Mitchell, gardener to Sir D. Baird, Newbyth ; Mr
M'Millan, gardener to Lord Blantyre, Erskine House, and several others, had
excellent lots that required to be passed over. In collections of 1 2, Mr Cowe,
gardener to Capt. Hope, Luflfness ; Mr M'Indoe, gardener to the Archbishop of
York ; and Mr Lowe, Sauchie House, had fine lots of large stone-fruit.

Especially about the table containing the collections of 20 fruits did the crowd of
visitors congregate ; and no wonder, for in themselves they constituted a fine show
of fruit.

Of Pine-apples, Charlotte Rothschild, from Mr Miles, gardener to Lord Carring-
ton, AVycombe Abbey, Bucks, was very good indeed, and some good Queens
came from several sources. Mr Carmichael, gardener to H.R. H. the Prince of
Wales, Sandringham, King's Lynn, sent a fine group, not for competition, consist-
ing of the Moscow Queen and three fine fruits of the Queen Pines, to which a
special first prize was awarded ; also a good bunch of the Champion Muscat Grape,
so well shown by him at Manchester in July last.

As might have been expected, there was a great lot of Melons, the best in the
green-fleshed class being Beusie's Incomparable and Dr Hogg; and in the scarlet-
fleshed class the perennial and ever-victorious Scarlet Gem. The best Figs were
shown by Mr Cowe, and the largest and best variety among them was named
Luffness, a variety bearing a marked resemblance to Castle Kennedy.

470 THE GARDENER. [Oct.

The 1 2 best Peaches, shown by Mr D. Campbell in three sorts, were unfortunately
unnamed; and yet the rules specify that "all fruits must be correctly named."
Mr Mathieson, TuUiallan Castle Gardens, was second with Royal George, Barring-
ton, and Noblesse. The group awarded the third prize contained only Red Mag-
dalen, as distinct from the foregoing. The best 12 Nectarines came from Mr Thos.
Hardie, Springfield House Gardens, and consisted of Elruge, Early Newington,
and Violette Hative. Due de Tolliers and Hunt's Tawny were also exhibited.
Apricots, which were somewhat sparsely shown, consisted of Moor Park, Hems-
kirk, Masculine, Peach, Blenheim, and Hensha. The best Plums were yellow and
red Magnum Bonum, Washington, Kirke's Greengage, and Coe's Golden Drop.

Apples and Pears were poorly represented, as might have been expected, seeing
how partial the crop is generally. Mr George Scrymgeour, Reading, was first
with a collection, of 6 sorts each, of baking and dessert Apples. Of the former he
had Reinette du Canada, Dutch Codlin, Yorkshire Greening, Emperor Alexander,
Kentish Fillbasket, and Gloria Mundi ; and of the latter, Blenheim Orange, Golden
Reinette, Golden Winter, Pearmain, Louis Pearmain, Sturmer Pippin, and
Ribston Pippin. The best 6 Pears, in 2 sorts, came from Mr James Douglas,
Ilford, who had Bon Chretien and Louise Bonne of Jersey ; 2d, Mr James
Gordon, with the former and Beurre d'Amaulis.

Turning to the plant department of the Exhibition, the collections of miscellane-
ous new and rare ornamental plants, &c. , exhibited by Messrs Veitch & Sons,
P. Lawson & Son, J. & R. Thyne, Downie, Laird, & Laing, Methven, Mitchell,
Barrou &, Son, Elvaston, Derby, &c., deserve the highest praise. Those contri-
buted by Messrs P. Lawson & Son were mainly disposed in the large orchestra,
and made a fine and effective display. Most of the other exhibitors of groups
of plants competed for the prizes for the collections of new and rare plants.
Messrs Veitch & Sous were placed 1st with a grand group ; 2d, Messrs J. & R.
Thyne, Glasgow ; and 3d, Messrs Downie, Laird, & Laing ; and a special prize
was awarded to Messrs Barron & Son for their group of coniferous plants, con-
taining several remarkably good things. Mr R. Hartland, Cork, had a group of
his new variegated Wellingtonia gigantea.

The collections of plants competing for prizes were very fine ; an indifferent
specimen was quite the exception. Mr William Thomson, Dalkeith Gardens, was
first with eight stove and greenhouse plants, not more than two of a variety,
having two fine examples of Vanda tricolor, one plant with six spikes of bloom ;
four very finely grown and flowered Heaths, that reminded one of the old days of
Chiswick — -viz., E. Austiniana, very fine indeed ; E. Jacksoni, and two plants of
E. retorta major ; a fine Statice Holfordi, and Aerides suavisissima. Second, Mr
T. Lees, The Gardens, Tynninghame, who had five fine Ericas — viz., Marnockiana,
Linnioides pregnans, Austiniana, a very fine pale seedling quite of a new style, free
in growth, and very free of bloom ; and a grand variety of Aitonia, named after
the raiser Turnbulli, and of a pale bright-i"ed hue ; Phoenocoma prolifera, Statice
Rattrayana, and Cattleya crispa. The Heaths here were very fine also ; and it
may be stated in this place that all the Ericas exhibited on this occasion, with the
exception of Retorta major, were raised by Mr Turnbull. Third, Mr John
Sutherland, gardener to P. Denny, Esq., Helenslee, Dumbarton. Four collec-
tions of plants were staged in competition. But two competitors appeared in
the class for three Cape Heaths, and these were placed equal first, Mr Lees hav-
ing Linnioides pregnans Turnbulli and Aitonia Turnbulli ; Mr J. M'Kay, gardener
to W. C. Tennant, Esq., The Glen, Innerleithen, had Marnockiana, Aitonia Turn-
bulli, and one unnamed. Mr Sutherland was first with four fine-foliaged plants,
having gloriously-coloured specimens of Croton variegatum and angustifolium,

T869.] CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 471

Dicksonia antarctica, and Cyathea dealbata, both very fine specimens. Second,
Mr W... Thomson, with three huge specimens of Croton pictum, Croton variegatum,
and C. angustifolium, much larger plants than in the preceding group, but not so
well coloured ; and a fine Alocasia zebrina. Third, Mr Thomas Ormiston,
gardener to W. A. Jamieson, Esq., Walk, Alloa, with the two Crotons just named,
a very fine Pandanus elegantissimus, and Latania borbonica. Seven collections
competed in this class. Mr Thomson was first with the finest four Ferns, having
a magnificent specimen of Cibotium Schiedei, a fine Neottopteris nidus, Alsophila
excelsa, and Pteris umbrosa, all very good. Second, Mr Sutherland, with Todea
superba, Dicksonia squarrosa, Gymnogramma martensi, and G. peruviana argyro-
phylla, both very fine. Third, Mr Thomas Ormiston. Tree-ferns were finely
shown, and made a grand feature, towering up aloft in different parts of the room-
Mr Sutherland was first with dealbata ; Mr Gordon, of Niddrie Gardens, second ;
and Mr Thomson, third, both with Dicksonia antarctica. But one collection of
three Orchids was staged, that from Mr Thomson, Dalkeith, and consisted of two
fine plants of Vanda tricolor, and one of V. suavis. They were deservedly awarded
the first prize. Fuchsias were but poorly represented, mainly plants with the
common fault of being too old, though of pretty good shape. In the class for two
plants in 8-inch pots a third prize only was awarded, so generally bad were the
plants. The two Cockscombs shown by Mr Pow, gardener to J. Melville, Esq.,
in class 76, were marvellous specimens of high cultivation : the largest of the two
had a comb some 16 inches in length and 8 inches in breadth, the other being only
a little smaller. Mr Gordon had three large and well-grown pans of Achimenes ;
but having been brought out of too much heat, the flowers soon withered. He
was the only exhibitor, and was awarded the first prize.

Zonal Pelargoniums were generally large, and somewhat coarsely grown. The
best lot of four kinds shown by Mr J. Kennedy, gardener to D. Murray, Esq.,
Strathearn Road, were the best in many respects ; though large, yet pretty well
bloomed. The first prize for the best four variegated Zonal Pelargoniums was
taken by Mr J. M'Farlane, gardener to D. Anderson, Esq., Moredun, with pretty,
well-grown, but large plants of Sunset, Mrs Pollock, Variegated Stella, and Queen
of Queens, a silver-edged variety. What appeared to be wanted is an infusion of
new kinds.

Liliums were very well shown. Some very finely bloomed plants of L. auratum
made a good display, and emitted a delightful fragrance. Some well-gi'own plants
of the varieties of L. lancifolium were also shown.

In the way of cut flowers there was a very good display ; but the recent frost,
which appears to have been much felt in Scotland, had committed great havoc on
Dahlias, Hollyhocks, &c. Happily the weather was very dry at the time of the visita-
tion, or the consequences would have been much worse. With twelve cut Roses,
Mr J. M'Indoe, gardener to the Archbishop of York, was first with some small
but good blooms of Madame Victor Verdier, Leopold I., Souvenir de Malmaison,
Gloire de Dijon, La France, General Jacqueminot, Princess Mary of Cambridge,
Madame Charles Wood, Jules Margottin, Marecbal Kiel, Pierre ISTotting, and one
unnamed. Second, Mr George Barrie, gardener to Miss Henderson, Corstorphine.
Gladioli were shown in fine condition, notwithstanding the severe drought. In
the nurserymen's class for thirty spikes, not more than two of a sort, Messrs Stuart
& Meiu, Kelso, were first with fiue examples of Ninon de I'Enclos, Le Titien,
Marie Stuart, Achille, Madame Furtado, Marechal Vaillant, Mozart, La Fiancee,
Fulton, Lady Franklin, Le Gouve, Princess Clotilde, Stuart Low, Etendard, La
Quiutinie, Dr Lindley, Norma, De Candolle, ApoUon, Compte de Morny, Penelope,
Madame Chauviere, Thalie, and Princess of Wales. Some of these were shown in

2i

472 THE GARDENER. [Oct.

duplicate to make up the number. Second, Messrs Downie, Laird, Si Laing
•with a fine lot of spikes, only just inferior to those awarded the first prize. The
sorts were Meyerbeer, Shakespeare, Chateaubriand, Semiramis, ^loliere,
Thalie, Schiller, Le Poussin, Princess Frederick William, Mardchal Vaillant,
Isabella, Princess Clotilde, Milton, Belle Gabrielle, Due de Malakoff, La Fiancee,
Lord Byron, Vesta, Madame Roland, Acliille, Cliarles Dickens, Fulton, and Ma-
dame Vilmorin. Third, Mr John M'Plierson, Aberdeen, Any one desirous of
obtaining a collection of fine Gladioli cannot do better than consult the foregoing
lists, as they comprise some of the finest varieties in cultivation, adapted either
for decorative or exhibition purposes. In the amateurs' class for eighteen spikes,
Mr AV. Marshall, The Gardens, Sandhouse, Hexham, was first with fine flowers
of the following varieties : John Downie, Peine Victoria, O'Connell, Princess of
"Wales, Andrew Balfour, "William Thomson, Lord Byron, Shakespeare, Andrew
Schofield, Mrs Bailey, Madame Furtado, Madame Klein, La France, Le Gouve,
Fulton, Penelope, and some unnamed. 2d, ]\Ir W. Shand, The Gardens, Fetter-
esso Castle, Stonehaven. 3d, Mr Harper, The Gardens, Turner Hall. With twelve
spikes, Mr John Gordon, gardener to A. Wauchope, Esq., was first with Stuart
Low, Lord Byron, Crystal Palace Gem, Daphne, Marie Stuart, Feliciea David,
Eugene Scribe, Due de MalakoflF, Shakespeare, Le Poussin, Madame Desportes,
and Sultan Abdul Aziz. Equal second prizes were awarded to ]\Ir Alexander,
Hexham, and Mr J. M'Indoe. In the amateurs' class for eighteen kinds five
groups were staged, and in the class for twelve varieties six collections.

Chrysanthemum-flowered Asters were fairly shown, and it must be presumed
that the phrase is intended to include all kinds of reflexed flowers, as some of the
finest blooms staged on this occasion were of the Victoria type. It is singular
that no provision should be made for the fine incurved forms of the Pteony-
flowered type, probably the finest of the exhibition Asters, as they include hues
of colour not found in the Chrysanthemum-flowered types. Quilled Asters were
good also, but were wanting in the size and beauty of the flat-petalled flowers.

Cut spikes of Hollyhocks made a fine display, and were remarkably well shown,
notwithstanding the drought and a scarcity of water. In the nurserymen's class
for eleven spikes, Messrs Downie, Laird, & Laing were clean ahead with fine
examples of Octoroon, Mrs P. Bruce, Miss Young, Tournament, Lord Stanley,
Lord Clifden, Pt. G. Ross, Mr Downie, Lord Rokeby, Jas. Whitten, and Countess
of Craven. 2. Mr Harrison, Dai-lington, the best being Rev. J. Dix, Joshua
Clark, Invincible, Alba superba, Charles Eyre, Hebe, and Gladiator. 3. Messrs
John Stuart & Son, Dundee. In the amateurs' class for nine spikes, Mr D.
Marshall, gardener to Miss Hay, Kingston Grange, was first with Countess of
Craven, John Tweedie, Acme, Jeanne d'Arc, Mr Downie, Rev. J. Dix, Mr P.
Bruce, Hercules, and Invincible. 2. Mr G. Barrie, with J. Taylor, Lady Rokeby,
David Doig, Miss Young, Tournament, Hercules, Jane Wilson, Mr P. Bruce, and
Lord Clifden. In spite of the weather four competing groups were staged. In
the class for five spikes, Mr J. M'Indoe was first with very fine examples of
Bridesmaid, Mrs Hastie, Favourite, Queen of Yellows, and a promising seedling.
2. Mr G. Morrison, gardener to Miss Dunsmuir, Corstorphine, with Lord Stanley,
John Downie, James Whitten, Lord Clifden, and Miss Young. Four groups were
also staged in this class. With twelve cut blooms of Hollyhocks the competition
among the amateur cultivators was very severe. The Rev. E. Hawke was first
with very fine blooms of Phryne, Exhibitor, Ruby Queen, Gem, Ariadne, Mrs
Hastie, Formosa, Charles Eyre, George Keith, Willingham Model, Fred. Chater,
and Ida, the three last named particularly fine. 2. Mr J. M'Indoe, with Willing-
ham Model, a splendid bloom ; Charles Eyre, Adonis, Ida, Fred. Chater, Lord

1869.] CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 473

Napier, Leah, Mr P. Pruce, "Rev. J. Dix, the Archbishop, a promising pale-
coloured seedliug, and other seedlings. Mr J. Ross, teacher, Glamis, was third.

The cut blooms of Dahlias boi'e unmistakable evidence of having been roughly
treated by the frost and drought ; nevertheless, Messrs Downie, Laird, & Laing
contributed, and took first prize with a good twenty-four blooms^ of Criterion,
King of Primroses, Mr Dix, John Kerby, John Salter, Anna Neville, Andrew
Dodds, Vice-President, Constance, John Hunter, Hebe, Favourite, Yellow Boy,
Lord Derby, Commander, Hon. Mrs G. Wellesby, Imperial, Memorial, Emperor,
Adonis, Mr Brunton, Bullion, Mr Dodds, and Indian Chief. 2. Mr John
Harrison, Darlington ; and, 3d, Messrs Stewart & Sons, Dundee. In the ama-
teurs' class for eighteen blooms, Mr R. Montgomery, Kilburnie, was first with
Vice-President, Grand Sultan, Miss Henshaw, Harry, Lord Derby, Little Atkins,
Lady Jane Ellis, Bullion, Adonis, and Garibaldi, duplicates of these being ad-
mitted. 2. Mr Wm. Shand. 3. Mr John M'Lean, Duloch Gardens. In the class
for twelve blooms the competition was close, and ten stands competed. Mr W.
Brown, gardener to David Buchan, Esq., New Saughton, was first with Criterion,
Emperor, Buttercup, ]\Iis3 Henshaw, Lady J. Ellis, Adonis, Valentine, Princess
Alice, Sir G. Smythe, Memorial, General Jackson, and Commander. 2. Mr Jas.
Johnston, The Gardens, Belfield House, Cupar, with Vice-President, Criterion ^
Miss Henshaw, Purple Gem, Lord Derby, Bullion, Andrew Dodds, Miss Turner,
Lady J. Ellis, Juno, Bob Ridley, and Freemason. 3. Mr Goodwin, York. With
twelve fancy Dahlias, Messrs Downie, Laird, &■ Laing were first with very
good blooms of Viceroy, Miss Ruth, Heir of York, Attraction, Gem, Jeanie
Deans, Leopardess, Fanny Sturt, Mrs Joy, Madlle. Nilsson, Mr Reed, and
Rosalia. 2. Messrs Stewart & Son, with blooms not near so good, somewhat
small and yet coarse. In the amateurs' class for twelve kinds, Mr John M'Lean
was first with sorts very similar to those just named ; and Mr Goodwin, York,
second. With six fancies, Mr John Jones, The Gardens, Bangholm Bower, was
first, being the only exhibitor.

THE PRIZE-LIST.

We append a list of the awards, premising that the following gentlemen offici-
ated as judges : —

Fruit — Messrs Tillyard, Brocklesby Park ; Dell, Stock Rochford ; Webster,
Gordon Castle ; Speed, Chatsworth ; Webster, Raby Castle ; George Thomson,
Stanstead, Sussex ; Carmichael, Sandringham ; Blair, Shrubland Park.

Plants — Messrs Dominy, Veitch & Sons, London ; David Thomson, Drumlan-
rig ; M'Nab, Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh ; Graham, Garscube ; Turner, Royal
Nursery, Slough ; Methven, Blytheswood ; Laing, of Downie, Laird, & Laing,
Edinburgh ; Wm. Dean, late of Shipley ; Rev. S. Reynolds Hole ; Rev. Edward
Hawke; John Keynes, Salisbury.

CLASS L — FRUIT.

Two best Queen Pine-Apples — 1. I dener to Major Martin, Wootonhall,
Robert Fowl is, gardener to Mr George \ Ashbum.

Henderson, Fordel ; 2. William Brown, Eight best varieties of Grapes, one
gardener to Sir David Baxter, Bart., ' bunch of each — 1. George Johnston,
Kilmaron. i gardener to the Earl of Strathmore ; 2.

Two best Smooth Cayenne Pine- j Thomas Bannerman, gardener to Lord
Apples— J, W. Fortune, gardener to | Bagot, Blithfield, Rugby ; 3. W. Thom-
Mr Robert Jardine, Castlemilk. ! son, gardener to his Grace the Duke of

Two best, any other sort — 1. George | Buccleuch.
Ward, gardener to Thomas Miller, Esq., | Four best varieties of Grapes — 1.
Bishop's Stortford ; 2. Mr Devilles, gar- 1 William Bryden, gardener to Sir Wil-

474

thp: gardener,

[Oct.

liam Wallace, Bart., Locbiyan House ;
2. J. ^lacConnochie, gardener to Mr
A. Smollett, Cameron House ; 3. Wil-
liam Meads, gardener to Mr Raikes
Currie, Miuley Manor, Farnburgh,
Hants.

Two best buncbes Black Hamburg
Grapes — 1. George Jobnston, gardener
to the Earl of Stratbmore ; 2. Walter
Bisset, gardener to JMr J. C. Philips,
Cheadle ; 3. J. Stevens, gardener to the
Duke of Sutherland.

Two best bunches of Muscat of Alex-
andria Grapes — 1. George Johnston,
gardener to the Earl of Stratbmore ; 2.
William Bryden, gardener to Sir Wil-
liam Wallace, Bart., Lochryan House ; 3.
James Louden, gardener to Mr Thomas
Barnes, Quinta, Salop.

Two best buncbes Mrs Pince's Mus-
cat Grapes — 1. Mr Joseph Meredith,
Garston, Liverpool ; 2. James Douglas,
•gardener to Mr Francis Whitbourn,
Loxford Hall, Hford ; 3. John M'Don-
ald, gardener to Mrs Sliarp Etskine.

Two best bunches Muscat Hamburg
Grapes — 1, David Morrison, gardener
to Mr H. H. Allen, Inchmartine House ;

2. William Bryden, gardener to Sir
William A¥allace ; 3. James Turner,
gardener to Mr Mark Sprot of Riddell.

One best bunch Black Hamburg
Grapes— 1. George Johnston, gardener
to the Earl of Stratbmore ; 2. J. Mac-
Connochie, gardener to Mr A. Smollett,
Cameron House ; 3. James Hannah,
gardener to Mr John Duncan, Burn-
head.

One best bunch Muscat of Alexandria
Grapes — 1. George Johnston, gardener
to the Earl of Stratbmore ; 2. William
Mead.-i, gardener to Mr Raikes Currie ;

3. Alexander Ingram, gardener to the
Duke of Northumberland.

One best bunch Black Alicante
Grapes — 1. George Johnston, gardener
to the Earl of Stratbmore ; 2. William
Melville, Gleulee, New Galloway; 3.
George Greig, gardener to Mr W.
Christie, Greenpark, Liberton.

One bunch best Grapes, Lady Downes
— 1. George Johnston, gardener to the
Earl of Stratbmore ; 2. Thomas Ban-
nerman, gardener to Lord Bagot ; 3.
Thomas Eraser, gardener to Mr James
Tweedie, Rachan House.

Oue heaviest bunch Black Grapes —
1. James Douglas, gardener to Mr
Francis Whitbourn ; 2. J. Laing, gar-
dener to Mr R. Cathcart, Pitcarlie ; 3.
Charles Irvine, gardener to Mr G, Wat-
son.

One heaviest bunch White Grapes —
1. James Dickson, gardener to Mr John
Jardine, Arkelton, 16.^ lb. ; 2. Wm.
Melville, Kirkcudbright.

One bunch finest-flavoured White
Grapes — 1. George Johnston, gardener
to the Earl of Stratbmore ; 2. John
Brunton, gardener to Sir David Kin-
loch, Bart.

One bunch fiuest-flavoui'ed Black
Grapes — 1. George Johnston ; 2. John
Brunton.

One bunch finest Bloom Grape —
George Johnston.

Best collection of the varieties of
Black Hamburg Grapes, with their
names, one bunch each — L William
Thomson ; 2. George Johnston.

Best collection of the varieties of
White Muscats, with their names, one
bunch each — 1. Alex. Ingram, gardener
to the Duke of Northumberland ; 2,
William Thomson ; 3. John M'Kay,
gardener to Mr Charles Teunant of The
Glen.

Florist and Pomologist Prizes. — Two
bunches of Grapes, White and Black —
1. Wm. Bryden; 2. George Johnston.

For the best collection of White and
Black Grapes, with their names, as are
not included in the other prizes ofiered
— George Johnston.

For the best collection of twenty
sorts of Fruits — not more than six
sorts of Grapes, two sorts of Pines, and
two sorts of Melons — L G. Stevens,
gardener to his Grace the Duke of
Sutherland ; 2. George Johnston, gar-
dener to the Earl of Stratbmore ; 3.
W. Thomson, gardener to his Grace
the Duke of Buccleuch ; 4. Alexander
Ingram, gardener to his Grace the
Duke of Northumberland.

For the best collection of sixteen
sorts of Fruits, exclusive of Pines — 1.
W. Mathieson, gardener to the Hon. Mrs
Villiers, TuUiallan Castle Gai-dens ; 2.
Thomas Lees, gardener to the Earl of
Haddington ; 3. M. Temple, gardener
to Mr J. Balfour, Balbirnie; 4. John
Laing, gardener to Mr Robert Cathcart,
Pitcarlie.

For the best collection of twelve
sorts of Fruits, exclusive of Pines and
Grapes — 1. John Cowe, gardener to Mr
H. W. Hope, Luffuess; 2. J. M'Indoe,
gardener to the Archbishop of York ;
3. Wm. Lowe, gardener to Sir A. C. R.
Gibson Maitland, Bart.

For the best Vine grown in pot
and in fruit (Black)— 1. A. Turnbull,
gardener to Mr James Brunton, Broom-

1869.] CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 475

lands ; 2. A. M'Leod, Newbattle Gar-
dens, Dalkeith.

For the best Vine grown in Pot and
in Fiuit (White)— 1. A. M'Leod ; 2.
James Gordon, gardener to Mr Andrew
"Wauchope, Niddrie.

For the best Melon, green-fleshed —
1. James Douglas, gardener to Mr F.
Whitbourn, Loxford Hall ; 2. James
Philips, gardener to Mr J. Hope Barton,
Stapletoa Park, Pontefract ; 3, Alex.
Ingram, gardener to the Duke of Nor-
thumberland.

For the best Melon, scarlet fleshed —

1. James Douglas ; 2. John Pottle,
Bealings Grove, VVoodbridge, Sufiblk ;
3. William Shand, gardener to Mr Duff
of Fetteresso.

For the best twelve Figs, three sorts,
four of each — 1. J. Co we, gardener to
Mr H. W. Hope, Luffuess ; 2. John
Laing, gardener to Mr Eobert Cathcart,
Pitcarlie ; 3. Mr Fowler, Hare wood
House, Leeds.

For the best twelve Peaches, three
sorts, four of each — 1. Duncan Camp-
bell, gardener to Mr James Johnston
of Alva; 2. D. Mathieson, gardener to
the Hon. Mrs Villiers ; 3. James Combe,
gardener to Mr Wm. 'Greig, Glencarse.

For best twelve Nectarines, three
sorts, four of each — 1. Thomas Hardie,
gardener to Provost Swan, Springfield
House, Cupar-Fife ; 2. D. Mathieson.

For best twelve Apricots, three sorts,
four of each — 1. David Ross, gardener
to Col. Macdonald, St Martin's Abbey ;

2. J. M'Indoe, gardener to the Arch-
bishop of York ; 3. George Cook, garden-
er to Captain Woods, Holeyn Hall.

For best Twelve Plums, three sorts,
four of each — 1. William Kirkpatrick,
gardener to Lord Abercromby ; 2. George
Scrymgeour, gardener to Mr R. Palmer,
Holme Park, Reading.

For best six Peaches, any sort — 1.
James Loudon, gardener to Mr Thomas
Barnes ; 2. William Brown, gardener to
Sir David Baxter.

For best six Nectarines — 1. Thomas
Hardie ; 2. John Bruuton, gardener to
Sii- David Kinloch, Bart.

For best six Jargonelle Pears, fit for
table — 1. James Philips, gardener to Mr
J. Hope Barton ; 2. Thomas Lees, gar-
dener to the Earl of Haddington, Tyn-
ninghame ; 3. William Melville, Glenlee
Gardens, Galloway.

For beat six Pears, two of each sort
(exclusive of Jargonelle), fit for table —
1. James Douglas ; 2. James Gordon,
gardener, Niddiie House ; 3. George
Scrymgeour.

For a collection of Pears, twelve sorts,
two of each, ripe or unripe — 1. George
Scrymgeour ; 2. Thomas Lees, gardener
to the Earl of Haddiniiton ; 3. George
Miles, gardener to Lord Carington, Wy-
combe Abbey.

For a collection of Dessert Apples,
six sorts, two of each, ripe or unripe — 1.
G. Scrymgeour ; 2. William Bryden,
gardener to Sir AY. Wallace ; 3. W.
Brown, gardener to Mr D. Buchan, New
Sanghton.

For a collection of Baking Apples —
1. G. Scrymgeour ; 2. J. Camming, gar-
dener to the Earl of Wemyss, Ami^field ;
3. J. Mitchell, gardener to Sir D. Baird,
Bart.

For best six Dessert Apples, fit for
table, two of each sort — 1. G. Scrym-
geour ; 2. A. Anderson, gardener to ]\rr
James Lindsay, Dryden Bank ; 3. John
Cowe, gardener to Mr Hope of Luff-
ness.

For best pint of Gooseberries — 1. A.
Moir, gardener to Mr John Baird of
Uny ; 2. Mr Geddes.

Pint of Red Currants— 1. M'Farlane,
gardener to Sir R. Hay, Bart. ; 2. Wm.
Shand.

Pint of White Currants — 1. J. Brun-
ton, gardener to Sir D. Kinloch ; 2.
Lawrence Geddes, gardener to Lord
Clinton, Invermay.

Collection of Tropical Fruits— J.
M'Kay, gardener to Mr C. Tennant of
The Glen.

Finest four Fruit-trees in fruits,
grown and shown in pots — 1. James
Gordon, gardener to A. Wauchope,
Niddrie ; 2. Geo. Greig, gardener to Mr
Wm. Christie, Greenpark.

CLASS II. — {Nothing shoicn.)

CLASS in. — OPEN TO ALL GARDENERS AND AMATEURS.

Eight Stove and Greenhouse Plants
in flower — 1. Wm. Thomson, Dalkeith ;
2. T. Lees, gardener to Earl of Hadding-
ton ; 3. John Sutherland, gardener to
Mr P. Denny of Helenslee, Dumbarton.

Three Cape Heaths of sorts— T. Lees,
and J. M'Kay, gardener to Mr C. Ten-
nant, equal.

Four Plants of Fine Foliage — 1. J.
Sutherland ; 2. Wm. Thomson ; 3. Thos.

476

THE GARDENER.

[Oct.

Ormiston, gardener to Mr A. Jamieson,
Halk House.

Four Ferns — 1. "Wm. Thomson ; 2.
J. Sutherland.

Finest Tree Fern — 1. J, Sutherland;
2. Mr Gordon, gardener to Mr Andrew
Wauchope, Niddrie ; 3. Wm. Thomson,

Thi-ee . Orchids in bloom — 1. Wm.
Thomson.

Three, Fuchsias — 1. Mr Joss, Morn-
ingside ; 3. Wm. Laird, gardener to
Sir James Coxe, Kinellan House.

Two Cockscombs — 1. J. Pow, gar-
dener to Mr J. Melville; 2. William
Kirkpatrick, gardener to Lord Aber-
cromby.

Three pots Achimenes — 1. James
Gordon.

Four Zonal or Bedding Geraniums —
1. John Kennedy, gardener to Mr D.
Murray, Strathearn Road ; 2. Wm.
Mallocks, gardener to Mr Thomas
Milne, Niddrie Mains.

Four Variegated Zonals or Bedding
Geraniums — 1. C. M'Farlane, gardener to
Mr D. Anderson of Moredun ; 2. John
Clark, gardener to Mr W. S. Mitchell-
Inues, Parson's Green.

Three Liliums in pots — John Cur-
rie, gardener to Mr W. Nelson, Sal-
isbury Green.

One Lilium Aratum — Colin M'Far-
lane, gardener to Mr D. Anderson.

Twelve cut Koses — 1. James M'ln-
doe, gardener to the Archbishop of
York ; 2. George Barrie, gardener to
Miss Henderson, Corstorphiue.

Eighteen Gladioli — 1, William Mar-
shall, gardener to SirR. Stanley Erring-
ton, Bart., Sandhoe, Hexham; 2. Wm.
Shand, gardener to Mr R. W. Duff ;

3. P. Harper, gardener to Mr J. S.
Gordon, Turner Hall.

Twelve Gladioli — 1. James Gordon,
gardener to Mr A. Wauchope ; 2. Mr
Alexander, Hexham; and 3. J. M'Indoe.

Twelve Quilled Asters — John Wood-
row, Williamsburgh, Paisley ; 2. Wm.
Glass, Stirling.

Twelve Chrysanthemum-flowered As-
ters— 1. James Harper, gardener to Mr
L. Walkinshaw ; 2. John Cockburn, gar-
dener to Mr John Cox, Gorgie.

Nine Spikes of Hollyhocks of sorts —
1. D. Marshall, gardener to Miss Hay,
Kingston Grange ; 2. G. Barrie, gardener
to Miss Henderson, Corstorphiue ; 3.
Wm. Shand, gardener to R. W. Duff, Esq.

Five Spikes of Hollyhocks of sorts —
1. Mr J. M'Indoe ; 2. George Mollison,
gardener to Miss Dnnsmuir, Corstor-
phiue ; 3. Colin Bell, gardener to An-
thony Nichol, Esq., Keifield.

Twelve cut Blooms Hollyhocks — 1.
Rev. Edward Hawke, Ganisboro' ; 2. J.
M'Indoe.

Eighteen Dahlia Blooms — 1 . R. Mont-
gomery, Kilbirnie ; 2. Wm. Shand ; 3.
John M'Lean, gardener to Mr Gibson,
Duloch.

Twelve Dahlia Blooms— 1. W. Brown,
gardener to David Buchan, Esq., New
Saughton ; 2. James Johnston, gar-
dener to Colonel Lyon, Belfield House,
Cupar ; 3. Goodwin, York.

Twelve Dahlia Blooms (Fancy) — 1.
John M'Lean ; 2. Goodwin, York ; 3.
Wm. Laird, gardener to Sir James Coxe,
Kinellan House.

Six Dahlias (Fancy) — John Jones,
gardener to Captain Boulton, Bangholm
Bower.

CLASS IV. — FOR NURSERYMEN ONLY.

Eleven Spikes Hollyhocks — 1. Messrs
Downie, Laird, & Laing ; 2. Mr John
Harrison, Darlington; 3. Messrs Stewart
& Son, Dundee.

Twenty - four Dahlia Blooms — 1.
Messrs Downie, Laird, & Laing ; 2.
Mr Harrison ; 3. Messrs Stewart and
Son.

Twelve Fancy Dahlia Blooms — 1.
Messrs Downie, Laii-d, & Laing ; 2.
Messrs Stewart & Son.

Thirty Gladioli— 1. Messrs Stewart &
Mein, Kelso ; 2. Messrs Downie, Laird
& Laing ; 3. Mr John M'Pherson, Aber-
deen,

Collection of New and Rare Plants —
1. Messrs Veitch & Son, Royal Exotic
Nursery, London ; 2. Messrs Thyne &
Son, Glasgow ; 3. Messrs Downie, Laird,
& Laing ; special prize, equal to 3d, to
Messrs W. Barron & Son, Derby, for
collection of Coniferous Trees.

CLASS V.

Collection of Salads — 1. Temple, gar-
dener to Mr J. Balfour, Balbirnie ; 2.
Alexander Anderson, gardener to W. H.
Brown, Ratho; 3. Donald Mathieson,

Tulliallan Castle Gardens.

Collection of Vegetables — 1. Donald
Mathieson and W. Thomson, equal ; 2.
Temple.

1869.] CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 477

CLASS VI.

Two bunches Grapes— 1. D. P. Bell, Six Peaches— 1. D. P. Bell.
Clive Villa, Alnwick ; 2. Rev. Mr
Bushby, Dalkeith.

SPECIAL AWARDS.

To Thos. Ormiston, gardener to To Mr Carmichael, gardener to his

JamiesoB, Esq., The AValk, Alloa, for Poyal Highness the Prince of Wales,
a very handsome plant of Lapigera rosea, for four Queen Pines.

THE DIXXER.

The members of the Society dined together in the Douglas Hotel at six o'clock.
About 140 gentlemen were present. The Right Hon. the Earl of Dalkeith pre-
sided, and Professor Balfour officiated as croupier ; and among the company were
the Right Hon. R. C. Nisbet-Hamilton, Sir H. J. Seton Stewart, Bart. ; Mr
Miller, M.P. ; Rev. S. Reynolds Hole, Rev. Edward Hawke, Dr Alexander
Wood, Councillors Methven and Tawse, Messrs Charles Turner, Slough ; David
Smith, W.S.; Chas. Lawson, George Lawson, John Gibson, Woolmet; Thomas
Sprott, A. W. Adam, Wm. Thomson, Dalkeith ; D. Thomson, Drumlanrig ; Wm.
Blackwood ; Carmichael, Sandringham ; Speed, Chatsworth ; Webster, Gordon
Castle ; Westcott, Raby Castle ; Ingram, Alnwick ; Lees, Tyringhame ; Anderson,
Oxenford ; Black, Liberton ; Fowler, Castle Kennedy ; J. Keynes, Salisbury ; B.
S. Williams, London ; J. Downie, Westcoats ; J. Laing, London ; W. Dean, Lon-
don ; A. M'Kenzie, London; D. Mitchell, Edinburgh ; G. Tillyard, Brocklesby;
R. P. Glendinning, Chiswick ; D. Syme, Bangholm, &c. &c.

The Chairman intimated that letters of apology had been received from the Lord
Provost, Sir Alexander Gibson-Maitland, M.P., Sir William Gibson- Craig, Mr
Dundas of Arnistou, and Mr Charles Lawson.

After the usual loyal and patriotic toasts had been proposed, the Chairman gave
" The Lord Provost and Magistrates of Edinburgh," coupled with the name of
Councillor Methven. (Applause.)

Mr Methven, in replying, said he thought the Town Council of Edinburgh was
only doing honour to itself in supporting such an institution as the Caledonian
Horticultural Society. (Applause.) It was an institution which tended to do
great good to this city. He was sure he might say for himself and his colleagues
in the Council, that they were glad to see such an exhibition of horticultural pro-
ductions. Xever before had there been such a display of horticultural produce
in this city.

The Chairman gave "The English Horticultural Society and the Strangei's."
They were much indebted to those gentlemen who had come down from England
for what they had done in helping them to secure the success of the show. They
wished them a most cordial welcome, and heartily thanked them for what they
had done. In Scotland we had to contend against the climate, which was not
always the best ; but what they had that day seen, showed that they had turned
the abilities they had to the best advantage. (Cheers.) He thought they ought
to look with pleasure on all attempts to further horticulture. He was happy to
see that into their contests no bad feeling entered. It was not in horticulture as
in politics, where difference of opinion ran high — (laughter and applause) — where
people took up different views on diflfereut subjects, each man having his own
crotchet. In horticulture they all worked together for one end, to endeavour to
bring out that which was most beautiful, that which would afford most pleasure
to those who were engaged in the business of life — (cheers) — whether the mercan-
tile man, who might find pleasure in his greenhouse after the day's anxieties ; or

478 THE GARDENER. [Oct.

the poor cottager, who might fiud pleasure in a simple border or a few select
flowers in his small garden. (Cheers.) He concluded by again proposing "The
English Horticultural Society and the Strangers, coupled with the name of the
Rev. S. Reynolds Hole of Newark." The toast was cordially pledged,

Mr Hole, in responding, acknowledged the superiority of Scotchmen both as
horticulturists and agriculturists, and thanked the Society for the hearty reception
the strangers had received. He had to reciprocate their kindness by proposing
" Prosperity to the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society. " He congratulated
them on having got up the finest exhibition of fruit that ever was seen since the
Creation. (Laughter and applause.) The show was enough to take away one's
breath ; and when a royal prince, three dukes, and earls and baronets as numer-
ous as the Peaches, contended in the battle, defeat was glory. (Laughter and
cheers.) He coupled with the toast the name of the noble President, the Duke
of Buccleuch. (Applause.)

The noble Chairman returned thanks, and then gave " The Successful and Un-
successful Competitors," coupled with the name of Mr Johnston. In pi'oposiug
the toast, his lordship bore testimony to the superior character of the exhibition,
especially of fruit, and expressed a hope that the high standard which had been
reached would be maintained.
Mr Johnston returned thanks.

Professor Balfour gave "The Judges," coupled with the name of Mr Turner,
Slough.

Mr Turner, in responding, said it had given him the greatest pleasure and pride
to be appointed one of the judges in a show where so many magnificent produc-
tions were exhibited. He had acted as a judge twenty times, and he had been
present at such exhibitions for twenty years, but he had never seen anything like
such an exhibition of fruit — he would not say on one occasion, but on half-a-
dozen occasions — as had been that day placed before them. (Applause.) The
show of fruit was altogether something wonderful. This was not the season for
plants, but the show would have been better if the Committee had had a larger
space at their disposal.

The Chairman, in next giving the health of the members for the city, said the
members of Parliament had had most arduous duties to perform during last
session. They would not all agree in the principles which they held, but they
would all give their members credit for doing their duty according to their own
convictions. He coupled with the toast the name of Mr Miller, M. P. (Applause.)

Mr Miller, in replying, said that if he had always to encounter as hard work as
he had encountered during last session, he would rather be the hardest-worked
gardener in Scotland than a member of Parliament. (Laughter.) He was afraid,
however, that they would have equally hard work next session. He had great
pleasure in countenancing the exhibitions of the Caledonian Horticultural Society,
as, if its objects were properly carried out, it was calculated to afford inconceivable
happiness to the people of this country. (Cheers.)

Mr Nisbet-Hamilton gave "The Health of the Earl of Dalkeith," which was
cordially received.

The noble Chairman acknowledged.

Mr Miller, M.P., gave " The Office-Bearers."

Mr David Smith gave *' The Ladies ; " and several other toasts having been pro-
posed, the company broke up shortly after ten o'clock.

Messrs Geoghegan, Bishop, and Rutherford were present, and sang a number of
glees during the evening.

We may add that at the close of the exhibition, Mr T. H. Douglas, photogra-

869.]

DUNDEE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

479

pher, Merchiston Park, took a most successful photograph of the fine group of
eleven spikes of Hollyhocks contributed by Messrs Dovvnie, Laird, & Laiug. We
have seen the photograph, and can bear testimony to its value as a work of art,
each spike being brought out clearly and definitely. We understand that Mr
Douglas has coloured the photograph from flowers supplied for the purpose, and
any one wishing to obtain an enduring souvenir of the Great Exhibition of 1869
cannot do better than obtain a copy of the photograph.

This report of the exhibition is by our able London correspondent, who was
present on the occasion ; and we have only to add that all the Edinburgh nursery-
men sent valuable and well-grown collections of plants on the occasion, and that
Messrs Peter Lawson & Son filled the orchestra with a truly magnificent collec-
tion of Coniferse, Tree-Ferns, Palms, and other highly-ornamental plants, which,
seen either from the entrance to the hall or the gallery, were the admiration of
all, and special credit is due to those who arranged them.

Mr Barron of the Royal Horticultural Society of London sent a large collection
of hardy fruit — including Pears and Apples — selected from the orchards round
London, which excited much interest.

We consider the arrangements made by this Society for having the awards all
made by nine o'clock in the morning, so as to enable gardeners to see the exhibition
from that hour till eleven o'clock at a small charge, is worthy of being copied by
other societies. On this occasion some 1500 gardeners were enabled to inspect
the whole subjects exhibited with ease and comfort, and when the public were
admitted, they could with much greater facility see the productions than if the
rooms had been thronged with gardeners. The police and other arrangements
made by the Council seem to have given entire satisfaction ; and as far as we can
at present learn, the whole was successful financially ; and there can be no doubt
that such an exhibition, properly managed, in cities as populous as Glasgow, Liver-
pool, or Manchester, would be eminently so, and we trust that one or other of
these cities will follow the example thus set them.

THE DUnSTDEE HORTICULTURAIj SOCIETY.

The Autumn Show of this Society took place in the Baxter Park on the second of
last month.

This Society is famous for the patronage it extends to Ferns, and the result on
the recent occasion was a splendid exhibition of them in all their forms and sizes.
Prominent amongst the exhibitors of them were P. N. Fraser, Esq., Edinburgh,
and Dr Lyell of Newburgh. Flowering plants were not so well represented as
we have seen them on former occasions. Fruit was above the average both in
quantity and quality ; and vegetables good, considering the severe drought of the
summer. For further information we refer to the prize-list, remarking that the
Society is much indebted to Mr M'Kelvie for the assiduity with which he attends
to all the details of management.

PLANTS IN POTS.

Six Fine - Foliaged or Variegated
Plants — 1. James Cocker, jun. , Aber-
deen ; 2. John Stewart & Sons.

Four Scailet Geraniums and their
varieties — 1. John Taylor, Foxmount;

2. G. Philip, Castle Huntly ; 3. W.
Balfour, Rroughty Ferry.

Twelve Exotic Ferns — I. James
Cocker, jun., Aberdeen; 2. John Stew-
art & Sons.

480

THE GARDENER.

[Oct.

Four Fuchsias— 1. John Taylor, Fox-
mount ; 2. O. rhilip, Castle Huntly.

Twelve British Ferns— 1. P. N. Fra-
ser, Edinburgh ; 2. Dr Lyell, New-
burgh ; 3. James Annand, Dundee.

Three Pots of Liliums — 1. John
Stewart & Sons.

Fifteen British Ferns — 1. John Stew-
art & Sons ; 2. Laird & Sinclair.

Four Caladiums — 1. David Black,
Broughty Ferry.

Six Stove Plants, in flower — 1. John
Motion, Seafield Lodge ; 2. David
Black, Broughty Ferry.

Nine Vai-iegated-leaved Geraniums,
Bronze Zonal included — I.John Stewart
& Sons; 2. James Cocker, jun., Aber-
deen.

Six Greenhouse Plants, in flower — 1.
W. Garret— W. Ritchie, Elmslie ; 2.
J. Johnstone, Ashludie ; 3. David
Black, Broughty Ferry.

Six Caladiums— 1. John Stewart &
Sons ; 2. Laird & Sinclair.

Specimen Tree Fern — 1. John Stew-
art & Sons ; 2. Laird & Sinclair.

Nine Exotic Ferns — 1. P. N. Fraser,
Esq. ; 2. John Heath, Clement Park ;
3. David Black, Broughty Ferry.

Three Greenhouse Plants, in flower
— 1. Mrs Kinmond, Broughty Ferry;
2. T. Horsburgh, Seafield House; 3.
James Low, jun., Maryfield.

Two Pots of Liliums— 1. David Clark,
Mar J field, Perth ; 2. John Heath, Cle-
ment Park.

Four Exotic Ferns — L T. Hors-
burgh, Seafield House ; 2. Mi's Kin-
mond, Broughty Ferry.

Two Fuschias — 1, James Low, jun.,
Maryfield ; 2. A. Paton, American
Muir; 3. Mrs Kinmond, Broughty
FeiTy.

Specimen Hydrangea — John Ruddi-
man, Barrack Street.

Six British Ferns — 1. W. Guild,
Ferry Road, Dundee; 2. James Mit-
chell, Mains.

Two Geraniums, scarlet and their
varieties— 1. A. Paton, American Muir;
2. James Low, jun., Maryfield; 3.
Duncan Grant, Ann Street.

Four Fine-Foliaged or Variegated
Plants — 1. W. Brow, Kilmaron Castle;
2. D. Black, Broughty Ferry ; 3. John
Motion, Seafield Lodge.

Four Lycopodiums — 1. Charles
Keith, Fern Brae; 2. W. Garret, Elms-
lie ; 3. W. Brow, Kilmaron Castle.

Four Scarlet Geraniums — 1. John
Stewart & Sons.

One Pot of Lilium Auratum — D.

Harper, gardener, Foggieley, Lochee ;
2. David Roger, Ferry Road; 4. A.
Paton, American Muir.

Six Lycopodiums — 1. Laird & Sin-
clair.

Specimen Tree Fern — 1. John Gil-
lespie, Kinnettles.

Six Japan Plants, varieties — 1. John
Stewart & Sons.

Three Variegated-leaved Geraniums,
Bronze Zonal included — 1. G. Philip,
Castle Huntly; 2. T. H. Miln, Linla-
then ; 3. David Black, Broughty Ferry.

Specimen Climber, in flower — I.John
Heath, Clement Park ; 2. Mrs Kin-
mond, Broughty Ferry.

Thirty Alpine Plants — 1. Edward
Moir, Newport ; 2. F. Richmond, Bax-
ter Park ; 3. David Mitchell, Seafield,
Broughty Ferry.

Specimen Exotic Adiantum — 1. W.
Brow, Kilmaron ; 2. James Robb,
Craigie House ; 3. Joseph Neave, Bal-
dovau.

Three Shrubby Calceolarias — 1.
James Robb, Craigie House ; 2. James
Mitchell, Mains ; 3. Wm. Sandeman.

One Geranium, variegated foliage —
1. A. Paton, American Muir; 2. Alex-
ander Roberts, Claverhouse ; 3. Duncan
Grant, 24 Ann Street.

Three Balsams — 1. David Black,
Broughty Ferry ; 2. G. Philip, Castle
Huntly.

Two Petunias, one single and one
double — 1. W. Balfour, jun.. Broom-
hall, Broughty Ferry ; 2. W. Garret,
Elmslie ; 3. John Heath, Clement
Park.

Specimen British Fern— 1. P. N.
Frasei', Esq., Edinburgh; 2. Dr Lyell,
Newburgh ; 3. T. H. Miln, Liulathen.

Twelve Succulents — 1. John Motion,
Seafield Lodge ; 2. John Heath, Cle-
ment Park ; 3. A. Williamson.

Tree Carnation in Pot — 1. John Tay-
lor, Broughty Ferry ; 2. J. Ruddiman,
Barrack Street.

Two Balsams — 1. Andrew Finlayson,
Trottick ; 2. Geo. Cuthbert, Dudhope
Street, Dundee.

Six Dwarf British Ferns, species and
varieties — 1. Dr Lyell and Edward
Moir — equal ; 2. John Heath, Clement
Park ; 3. James Annand, Dundee.

Four Begonias — 1. James Robb,
Craigie House ; 2. John Heath, Cle-
ment Park ; 3. David Black, Broughty
Ferry.

One Fine-Foliaged Plant — 1. David
Ross, St Martins ; 2. W. Brow, Kilma-
ron ; 3. John Motion, Seafield Lodge.

869.]

DUNDEE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

481

Two Egg Plants, Dissimilar — 1. W.
Brow, Kilmaron ; 2. Charles Keith,
Fern Brae ; 3. W. Garret, Elmslie.

■1. David Steele,
James AVilson,

Three Cockscombs
Arbroath ; 2.
Beechwood.

Fern Case, filled — 1. John Stewart &
Sons ; 2, Laird & Sinclair.

Fern Case, filled— 1. T. H. Miln,
Linlathen.

Fern Case, filled — 1. T. Horsburgh,
Seafield House.

Window Garden — 1. Peter Nicoll,
Luthermuir ; 2. Andrew Fiulayson,
Trottick; 3. John Hoi'ne, Dundee.

CUT FLOWERS.

Twenty-four Roses — 1. John Stewart
& Sons.

Twelve Roses— 1. T. H. Miln, Lin-
lathen; 2. P. M'Tavish, Balhousie
Castle, Perth ; 3. Joseph Neave, Bal-
dragon.

Six Roses — 1. P. Nicoll, Luthermuir;
2. Alex. Hosie, Claverhouse ; 3. E.
Moir, Newport.

Twenty-four Dahlias — 1. John Stew-
art & Sons; 2. James Cocker, Aber-
deen.

Twelve Dahlias — 1. George Phillips,
Castle Huntly ; 2. Jas. Johnston, Bell-
field House, Cupar-Fife ; 3. A. Stewart,
Glendoich. Extra prize — A. Hosie.

Six Dahlias— 1. A. Findlay, Trottick ;

2. J. Low, Maryfield; 3. J. Gibson,
Pitkerro.

Twelve Carnations or Picotees — 1.
William Balfour, Broomhall, Brovighty
Ferry ; 2. James Duncan, Spriughill ;

3. John Reid, Ballindean.

Six Carnations or Picotees — 1. W.
Sandeman, George Street ; 2. John
Herd, Longforgan ; 3. James Water-
son, Patriotic Gardens, Perth.

Twelve Pansies — 1, John Hampton,
Newport; 2. Jas. Johnston, Bellfield,
Cupar-Fife ; 3. William Brow, Kil-
maron, Cupar-Fife. Extra prize of 10s.
6d. to John Hampton, Newport, for col-
lection of Pansies.

Six Pansies — 1. Peter Nicoll, Luther-
muir; 2. John Home, Bucklemaker
AVynd ; 3. John Herd, Longforgan.

Twelve Fancy Pansies — 1. J. Hamp-
ton; 2. W. Brow, Kilmaron; T. H.
Miln.

Six Fancy Pansies — John Home.

Thirty-six Gladioli— 1. John MTher-
Ron, Aberdeen ; 2. John Stewart &
Sons ; 3. W. P. Laird & Sinclair.

Eighteen Gladioli—]. W. Brow, Kil-
maron ; 2. T. H. Miln, Linlathen ; 3.
John Urquhart.

Six Gladioli — 1. Alex. Hosie, Claver-
house ; 2. James Mitchell, Mains ; 3.
Alex. Menzies, Tealing.

Six Stocks — 1. D. Irvine, Kincal-
drum ; 2. P. M'Tavish, Balhousie,

Perth; 3. James Johnstone, Bellfield
House, Cupar-Fife.

Three Stocks — 1. A. Paton, Ameri-
can Muir ; 2. A. Roberts ; 3. D. Ram-
say, Baldovie.

Twelve Phloxes, Spikes— 1. P. Nicoll,
Luthermuir ; 2. P. M'Tavish, Balhousie.

Six Phloxes, spikes — 1. No name;
2. John Gibson, Pitkerro ; 3. James
Waterson, Perth.

Twenty-four Hollyhocks — 1. Stewart
& Sons ; 2. Laird & Sinclair.

Twelve Hollyhocks— 1. D. Ross, St
Martins, Perth ; 2. William Brow, Kil-
maron ; 3. Geo. Phillips, Castle Huntly.

Six Hollyhocks — 1. Peter Nicoll,
Luthermuir; 2. Alex. Roberts, Claver-
house; 3. John Herd, Longforgan.

Six Antirrhinums — 1. A. M'lntosh,
Broughty Ferry; 2. P. M'Tavish; 3.
P. Nicoll.

Three Antirrhinums — 1. John Ruddi-
man ; 2. A. Paton, American Muir ; 3.
Alex. Hosie.

Six Penstemons — 1. T. H. Miln, Lin-
lathen ; 2. A. Menzies; 3. J. Mitchell.

Three Penstemons — 1. John Herd ;
2. No name ; 3. P. Nicoll, Luthermuir.

Twelve Hollyhocks, spikes — 1. Messrs
Stewart & Sons.

Six Hollyhocks, spikes — 1. W. Brow,
Kilmaron ; 2. D. Morrison, Inchmar-
tine.

Three Hollyhocks, spikes — 1. David
Smith, Glamis House ; 2, A. Roberts,
Claverhouse ; 3. Andrew Finlayson,
Trottick.

Eight Herbaceous Blooms, one spike
each — 1. David Smith, Glamis House ;
2. John Hampton, Newport ; 3. Thos.
H. Miln, Linlathen.

Four Herbaceous Blooms, one spike
each — 1. Alexander Menzies, Tealing ;
2. John Home ; 3. David Barrie, Moni-
fieth.

Twelve Pyrethrums, six varieties — 1.
Messrs Stewart & Sons, Broughty Ferry.

Six Verbenas, three trusses each — 1.
T. H. Miln, Linlathen ; 2. George Reid,
Broughty Ferry ; 3. David Irvine, Kin-
caldrum.

482

THE GARDENER.

[Oct.

Three Verbenas, three truspes each —
]. Duncan Grant, 24 Ann Street; 2.
John Ruddiman. liarrack Street; 3. J.
Gibson, Eii>-t 1 itkerro.

Twelve Asters, qnilled, six varieties
—1. Jobn Reid, Ballindean ; 2. G. Phil-
lips, Cattle Huutly; 3. James Wilson,
Beecbwood.

Six Asters, quilled, three varieties —
1. John Keillor, Kirkton Mains ; 2.
John Herd, Longforgan; 3. A. Patou,
American Muir.

Twelve Asters, flat-petalled, six vari-
eties— 1. James Wilson, Beecbwood ; 2.
G. Phillips, Castle Huntly; 3. D. Morri-
son, Incbmartitie.

Six Asters, flat-petalled, three vari-
eties— 1. John Htrd, Longforgan ; 2.
Peter Nicoll, Luthermuir; 3. John Ead-
dimau, Barrick Street.

Six French Maiigolds, dissimilar — 1.
Alex. Hosie, Claverbouse ; 2. James
Wilson, Beecbwood ; 3. J. Peters.

Six African IMaiigolds, tbree lemon
and three orange — 1. P. M'Tavish, Bal-

hnusie, Perth ; 2. No name ; 3. James
Wilson, Beecbwood.

I'wo Hand Bouquets, not exceeding 6
inches diameter — 1. John Stewart &
Sons.

Two Hand Bouquets, not exceeding 6
inches diameter — 1. Alexander Mackie,
Camperdown ; 2. Alexander M'lutosh,
Seatield, Bi-ougbty Ferry ; 3. D. Ross,
St Martins.

One Table Bouquet, not exceeding 12
inches diameter — 1. D. Rogers, The
Cottage, F'erry Road ; 2. P. M'Tavish ;
3. John Heath.

One Bouquet of native flowers — 1. H.
Gordon, Foxmount, Broughty Ferry ;
2. Ann D. Clark, Downfield ; 3. Miss
Anderson, Monifieth.

Dinner - Table Decoration of cut
flowers — 1. John Stewart & Sous,
Broughty Ferry ; 2. Messrs Laird &
Sinclur.

Dinner - Table Decoration of cut
flowers— 1. T. H. Miln, Linlathen.

One Hand Bouquet, made up by la-
dies, not exceeding 6 inches in diame-
ter— 1. Miss Jamieson, Seafield ; 2. Miss
Stow, Ashludie ; 3. Miss Gordon, do.

EXTRA PRIZES.

Best Dahlia Bloom in the Show —
James Johnston Bellfield House, Cupar-
Fife.

FRUIT.

Collection of Fruit, eight varieties — 1.
William Brow, Kilniaiou Castle ; 2. A.
Mackie, Camperdown ; 3. David Ross,
The Gardens, St Martin's Abbey.

Four bunches of Gmpes, varieties —
1, D. Morrison, Inchmartine ; 2. John
Heath, Clement Park ; 3. Alexander
M'lnto^h, Seafield House, Broughty
Ferry.

Heaviest bunch of Grapes — 1. John
M'Leod, Birkhill, Cupar-Fife.

One bunch of Black Grapes — 1. Wm.
Brow, Kilmnron Castle ; 2. John John-
ston, Ashludie ; 3. George Gillespie,
Kinnettles.

One bunch of White Grapes — 1. Geo.
Beagrie, Taypark ; 2. John Johnston,
Ashludie ; 3. James Combe, Glencarse.

One Scarlet Meh)n — 1. John Reid,
Ballindean ; 2. W^illiam Brow, Kilmarou
Castle ; 3. George Reid, Embden House,
Broughty Ferry.

One Green Melon — 1. George Reid,
Embden House, Broughty Ferry ; 2.
John Heath, Clement Park; 3. George
Gillespie, Kinnettles.

One Pine-Apple — 1. William Brow,
Kilmarou ; no second prize ; 3. John
Heath, Clement Park.

Six Peaches — 1. William Brow, Kil-
marou ; 2. James Combe, Glencarse ; 3.
D. Irvine, Kincaldrum.

Six Nectarines — 1. Thomas Hardie,
Springfield House, Cupar; 2. James
Combe, Glencarse ; 3. David Steele,
Seaton House.

Six Apricots — 1. D. Campbell, Naugh-
ton, Newport; 2. John Urquhart, Errol
Park ; 3. A. Mackie, Camperdown.

Six Apples for table use — 1. R. Mat-
thew, Gourdiehill ; 2, James Combe,
Glencarse ; 3. A Stewart, Glendoick.

Six Apples for kitchen use — 1. James
Combe, Glencarse ; 2. James Robb,
Craigie House; 3. T. H. Miln, Linlathen.

Six Plums for table use — 1. James
Combe, Glencarse : 2. T, H. Milu,
Linlathen ; 3. D. Irvine, Hermitage,
Brovighty Ferry.

Six Plums for kitchen use — L John
Reid, Ballindean ; 2. D. Smith, Glamis
House ; 3. Thomas Hardie, Springfield
House, Cupar.

Six Peais for table use — 1. John
M'Leod, Birkhill, Cupar-Fife ; 2. James
Combe, Glencarse ; 3. D. Smith, Glamis
House.

Six Pears for kitchen use — 1. John

1869.] DUNDEE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

483

ileid, Ballindean ; 2. James Combe,
Glenoarse ; 3. R. Robertson, Castle Hill,
Inchture.

Twentjr-five Cherries— 1. T. H. Miln,
Linlathen ; 2. A. Mackie, Camperdown;
3. D. Morrison, Iiichmartine.

Twenty-five Strawberries, best-flav-
oured— 1. James Robb, Craigie House;
2. George Patou, American Muir; 3.
Aw. Anderson, Sunnybank, Aberdeen.

Twenty-five Strawberries, largest — 1.
Andrew Anderson, Sunnybank, Aber-
deen ; 2. D. Smith, Glarais Houses ; 3. D.
Irvine, Kiucaldrum.

Fifty Gooseberries, twenty -five red

and twenty-five white — 1. James Robb,
Craigie House; 2. George Paton, Ameri-
can Muir ; 3. John Heath, Clement
Park.

Currants, white, 1 imperial pint — 1.
T. n. Miln, Linlathen ; 2. James Combe,
Glencarse ; 3. Thomas Hardie, Spring-
field House, Cupar.

Currants, red, 1 imperial pint — 1 . A.
Mackie, Camperdown ; 2. John Reid,
Ballindean; 3. William Brow, Kilmaron.

Currants, black, 1 imperial pint — 1.
D. Ross, St Martin's Abbey; 2. Thomas
Hardie, Springfield House, Cupar ; 3.
Joseph Neaves, Baldovan.

VEGETABLES.

GARDENERS.

Basket of Vegetables, ten varieties —
1. James Johnstone, Bellfield House,
Cupar ; 2. James Wilson, Beechwood ;
3. Thomas Hardie, Springfield House,
Cupar.

Two Cauliflowers — 1. John M'Leod,
Birkhill, Cupar File ; 2. R. Barry, Royal
Asylum, Dundee ; 3. D. Smith, Glamis
House.

Two Cabbages — 1. Geo. Paton, Ameri-
can Muir ; 2. Peter M'Tavish, Balhousie
Castle ; A. 3. Mackie, Camperdown.

Two Cabbages, red — 1. John Uiqu-
bart, Errol Park ; 2. John Reid, Ballin-
dean ; 3. James Robb, Craigie Houj^e.

Two Savoys — 1. John Reid, Ballin-
dean ; 2. John Taylor, Foxtuouut ; 3.
Peter MTavish, Balljousie Castle.

Two Beet, red — 1. John Taylor, Fox-
mount, Broughty Ferry ; 2. James Robb,
Craigie House ; 3. G. Phillips, Castle
Huntly.

Two Cucumbers — 1. Alex. M'Intosb,
Seafield House; 2. P. M'Tavish, Bal-
housie Castle ; 3. John Reid, Ballin-
dean.

Twenty-five Pods Peas — 1. D. Irvine,
Kincaldrum ; 2. D. Black, Douglas
House, Broughty Ferry ; 3. J. S. Mar-
shall, Dryburgh Villa.

Twenty-five Pods Kidney Beans — 1.
John Urquhart, Errol Park ; 2. William
Brow, Kiimoran ; 3. James Robb, Ci'aigie
House.

Twelve Potatoes, Kidney variety — 1.
T. H. Miln, Linlathen; 2. John Urqu-
bart, Errol Park ; 3. Johu Taylor, Fox-
immnt.

Twelve Potatoes, round — 1. D. Camp-
bell Naughton, Newport ; 2. T. H. Miln,
Linlathen ; 3. George Gillespie, Kin-
nettles.

Six Parsnips — 1. John Reid, Ballin-

dean ; 2. D.Morrison, Inchmartine ; 3.
John Urquhart, Errol Park.

Six Leeks— 1. P. M'Tavish, Balhousie
Castle ; 2. John Urquhart, Errol Park ;
3. D. Campbell, Naughtou.

Six Onions — 1. James Johnstone,
Bellfield House ; 2. P. MTavish, Bal-
housie Castle ; 3. D. Campbell, Naugh-
ton.

Two Heads Celery, white — 1. Wm.
Cowieson, Garry Cottage ; 2. James
Combe, Glencarse ; 3. P. M'Tavish, Bal-
housie Ci^tle.

Two Heads Celery, red — 1. William
Cowieson, Garry Cottage ; 2. J. Combe,
Glencarse ; 3. P. M'Tavish, Balhousie
Castle.

Que Gourd — 1. John Reid, Ballin-
dean ; 2. James Robb, Craigie House.

One Vegetable Marrow — 1. William
Brow, Kilmaron ; 2. James Robb, Craigie
House ; 3. John Reid, Ballindean.

Two Curled Greens — 1. Alexander
Hosie, Claverhouse ; 2. James Robb,
Craigie House ; 3. P. M'Tavish, Bal-
housie Castle.

Four Turnips — 1. James Johnstone,
Bellfield House; 2. A. Stewart, Glen-
doick ; 3. No name.

Six Carrots — 1. D. Morrison, Inchmar-
tine ; 2. John Taylor, Foxmount ; 3. T.
H. Miln, Liulatbeu.

C(jllection of Gourds — 1. John Reid,
Ballindean.

AMATEURS.

Basket of Vegetables, six varieties —
1. Alexander Husie, Claverhouse ; 2.
Peter Nicoll, Luthermuir; 3. Johu
Ruddiman, Barrack Street.

Two Cauliflowers — 1. Alex. Paton,
American Muir; 2. Peter Nicoll, Luther-
muir; 3. John Gibson, East Pitkerro.

Two Cabbages — 1. George Phillips,
Castle Huntly ; 2. John Herd, Longlor-

484

THE GARDENER.

[Oct.

gan ; 3. Alexander Patou, American
Muir.

Two Cabbages, red — 1. D. Ramsay,
Baldovie.

Two Savoys— 1, A. Hosie, Claver-
house.

Two Beet, red — 1. Andw. Finlayson,
Trottick ; 2. A. Hosie, Claverbouse ; 3.
James Scott, Rosebank.

Two Cucumbers— 1. T. Horsburgh,
Seafield House.

Twenty-five Pods Peas— 1. P. Nicoll,
Luthermuir ; 2. John Hosie, Dundee ;
3. John Gibson, East Pitkerro.

Twelve Potatoes, Kidney variety — 1.
A. Hosie, Claverbouse; 2, John Gibson,
East Pitkerro ; 3. P. Nicoll, Luther-
muir.

Twelve Potatoes, round — 1. John
Keillor, Kirton Main ; 2. John Gibson,
East Pitkerro ; 3. A. Hosie, Claverbouse.

Six Parsnips — 1. James Mitchell,
Mains ; 2. James Waterson, Perth ; 3.
Alexander Hosie, Claverbouse.

Six Leeks — 1. Alexander Hosie, Cla-
verbouse ; 2. John Keillor, Kirkton
Mains ; 3. P. Nicoll, Luthermuir.

Six Onions — 1. R. Robinson, Castle
Hill, Inchture ; 2. A. Hosie, Claver-
bouse ; 3. James Mitchell, Mains.

Two Heads Celery, white — L R.
Nicoll, Wellbank ; 2. P. Nicoll, Luther-
muir ; 3. A. Finlayson, Trottick.

Two Heads Celery, red — 1. R. Nicoll,
Wellbank ; 2. P. Nicoll, Luthermuir ;
3. A. Finlayson, Trottick.

Two Curled Greens — 1. A. Robertson,
Claverbouse ; 2. Duncan Grant, 24 Ann
Street ; 3. Jas. Mitchell, Mains.

Two Heads Parsley — 1. John Gibson,
East Pitkerro ; 2, D. Smith, Glamis
House ; 3. John Home, Dundee.

Four Turnips — 1. A. Roberts, Claver-
bouse ; 2. A. Hosie, Claverbouse ; 3. A.
Paton, American Muir.

Six Carrots — 1. John Hird, Lonfor-
gan ; 2. Jas. Mitchell, Mains ; 3. P.
Nicoll, Luthermuir.

STRATHEARlVf HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The annual exhibition of this Society took place in the Masons' Hall, Crieflf, on
the 7th of last month, and was considered the best the Society ever held. The fruit
was remarkably fine, some of the bunches of grapes weighing from 7 lb. to 8 lb. ;
but as we cannot afford space to give the prize-list, we forbear giving any names
to avoid the charge of being invidious. The judges, ofiice-bearers, and members
of the Society dined together at the Drummond Arms Hotel in the afternoon,
when the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were given and responded to.

REVIEWS.

* An Hlustrated Natural History of British Moths,' with life-size figures from
nature of each species, and of the more striking varieties. Also full descriptions of
both the perfect insect and the caterpillar, together with dates of appearance and
localities where found. By Edward Newman, F.L.S., F.Z.S. London: W.
Tweedie, 337 Strand.

This is a beautifully -got-up volume, which, apart from its being an exhaustive
treatise on the subject it refers to, will form a handsome ornament for the
drawing-room table ; and we cordially recommend it to all who take an interest
in British moths, as a guide by which they can name and arrange all their cap-
tures in this department of natural history.

' Choice Stove and Greenhouse Plants, ' comprising descriptions of upwards of one
thousand species and varieties, accompanied by instructions for their cultivation
and management. By Benjamin S. Williams, F.R.H.S., Victoria and Paradise
Nurseries, Upper Holloway, London.

This is a handsome volume of 330 pages, with a fine coloured plate by Fitch

1869.] OBITUARY NOTICES. 485

of the beautiful Anthurium Scherzerianum. The work is published and sold by
the author, and is the result of many years' experience by one of the most success-
ful plant-growers in this or any other country. Like his other works, it is plain
and practical, and should be in the hands of all who wish in any degree to excel
as cultivators.

PRESENTATION.

The old pupils of Mr M'Kie, gardener to the Dowager-Duchess of Athol, Dun-
keld, availed themselves of the occurrence of the International Exhibition in Edin-
burgh on the 8th of last month to present him with a handsome gold watch and
chain, and a brooch for Mrs M'Kie, in token of their high sense of his many
excellent qualities both of head and heart.

The presentation was made in the Ship Hotel by Mr Maxwell, overseer, "West
Shandon, Helensburgh. Such exhibitions of kindly feeling are alike honourable
to all concerned.

OBITUARY NOTICES.

It is our painful duty this month to record the death of Mr Jas. Veitch, senior
partner of the firm of James Veitch & Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery, King's Road,
Chelsea. This sad event took place suddenly on the morning of the 10th of last
month, at his residence, Stanley House, King's Road, at the comparatively early
age of fifty-four.

In the death of Mr Veitch horticulture has lost its most devoted patron.

Those who had, as we had the pleasure of having, an intimate acquaintance
with Mr Veitch, need not be informed with what zeal and devotion he entered
upon every project that could advance the science and practice of his favourite
art ; and with what success, honours and awards from all parts of Europe amply
testify.

We recently had the pleasure of spending a few days with him, and under his
own guidance were shown his private collection of Orchids, set apart in some re-
cently-erected houses behind his private residence for special experiments. Here
we saw lots of Hybrid Orchids, others being crossed, and their seed-pods swelling,
new modes of growth and treatment being adopted with others, all with a view
to add new gems to that horizon he had already so much emblazoned both by in-
troductions from foreigQ climes, and by the results of his successful cross-breed-
ing. We were at that time made aware from his own lips that his health was
exceedingly precarious; yet in view of the important labours he was carrying on,
and for the sake of his family and the public generally, we earnestly hoped the
sad event might be long deferred. It has been otherwise determined, and we are
certain we are but the exponents of all who take an interest in horticulture, when
we present our sincere condolence to the firm and family from which such a stay
has been removed.

In the death of Mr Robert Thomsoo, of the R. H. S. Gardens, Chiswick, horti-
culture has lost one of its most painstaking pioneers. ^Modest and retiring in
manner, he was always ready to give place to men much his inferior in ability.

486 THE GARDENER. [Oct. 1869.

On this ground alone can we account for a man who possessed such a store of
varied knowledge not having attained a higher position in the horticultural world.
Mr Thomson's technical knowledge of hardy fruit was perhaps the most reliable
of any man of his day, and this knowledge was always at the service of any one
who asked for it. In this way alone he rendered services that entitled him to a
much more ample public recognition than he ever received. As an author, Mr
Thomson produced a work that will long be consulted with advantage, ' The
Gardener's Assistant.' Dr Liudley's great work, 'The Theory and Practice of
Horticulture,' was also largely indebted to his observant mind.

" An Amateur " would feel much obliged to the Editor of the ' Gardener ' for a
few hints about the proper cultivation of Tuberoses. They were put, according
to directions, in bottom-heat in the spring, thence transferred to a small green-
house. They are now flowering, but so drawn up as to be totally unfit for draw-
ing-room decoration.

[We shall be obliged to any correspondent who has grown Tuberoses success-
fully if he will give us a paper on the subject, and gratify the above writer. — Ed.]

" R. G. E." — The insect on your Vines is no doubt the mealy bug. "When you
prune them this autumn, remove all the loose bark on them, even beneath the line
of the soil, and then wash them well with a hard brush and soap-and-water ; after-
wards paint the canes over with a mixture of two ounces soft-soap, two gills
tobacco-water, and clay enough to make the whole of the consistency of paint, to
two quarts of water. This should get rid of the pest, but it will at times be found
on the roots 6 inches under the soil, from which it will emerge in the spring.
AVhen you see many ants running on your Vines, suspect brown-scale or mealy bug,
and wash them off by using a brush, soap, and water.

A "Subscriber" in the North. — Telegraph Cucumber will suit you for
■winter. If you have two pipes for bottom-heat, you require no hot dung. Good
loam and some dung, and, if at hand, a few bones about the size of peas, and
some charcoal : a yellow loam will do well. When you water, give a good soak-
ing, and keep the soil moderately moist during the winter, but not so much so as
might be judicious dm'ing summer.

^"^'"y^

THE

GARDENER.

NOVEMBER 1869.

THE KITCHEN-GAIIDEN.

NO. VI.

{Continued from page 354.)

ONIONS.

HE Onion is referred to as a popular vegetable at a very early-
period of the world's history ; and it is perhaps a veget-
able that is more universally cultivated than any other
that is embraced in garden -cropping. It is cultivated
by hundreds of bushels for royal households, and to a proportionate
extent it finds a place in every grade of garden down to the cottage
*' yard." Although extensively grown in Britain, so great is the con-
sumption of it, that more than a thousand tons are annually im-
ported, principally from Spain and Portugal, in which countries it is
an important article of commerce ; for, beyond what is brought to this
country and sent to others, it is a vegetable which is much more ex-
tensively consumed by the Spanish and Portuguese than is common in
this country ; in fact, it forms for them an important part of their daily
meals. Onions are esteemed, in the first place, on account of their
flavouring quality. They are at the same time among the most nutri-
tious of vegetables — containing, as they do, 30 per cent of gluten, the
presence of which in vegetables determines more than anything else
their value in point of nutriment. It is therefore probable that the
Portuguese is as well off, in point of nutritious aliment, with his dry
bread and Onion, as the English labourer is with bread and cheese.

The Onion is a vegetable of great antiquity in Africa, having been
cultivated and much esteemed there two thousand years before Christ ;
and in the food of the Egyptians it still holds an important place. They

2 K

488 THE GARDENER. [Nov.

roast tliem along with their meat, and relish them so much that they
are credited with the earnest wish that Onions may form one of the
dainties of their paradise. This vegetable has been cultivated from a
very early period in Britain ; and more than likely it was introduced
from Continental countries, into which it had no doubt been brought
from the more ancient nations of the East. Onions grown on the
Continent are much more mild and pleasant to the palate, but not so
good for seasoning, as the smaller productions of this country, which
are more pungent in flavour.

The Onion crop is looked upon as one of first-rate importance in
every garden, and the sowing-day ranks as a sort of red-letter day
in the garden calendar. Many cultivators have some peculiar way
in which the operation is performed ; and in not a few cases a deal of
unnecessary work and waste of time are attached to it. Few crops are
more affected by soils and situations ; hence in some instances a satis-
factory crop can nearly always be calculated upon, while in others the
crop is a very precarious one.

A dry well-worked soil, to the depth of at least 2 feet, has much
to do with healthy well-matured bulbs. They send their roots
down deep ; and if the staple allows of the ground being worked
3 feet deep, so much the better. It is more upon a deep well-worked
dry staple than on superfluous doses of manure that a good well-
ripened crop of bulbs depends. Such bulbs as are small-necked,
firm, and in a condition to store and keep well, are not so likely to
result from heavy coatings of manure merely dug into the ground, as
from a moderate amount of manure, in a thoroughly decomposed state,
deeply and regularly mixed with the whole of the soil. The Onion
crop makes a good succession to Celery, or rather the latter leaves the
ground in good condition for the Onion crop. The production of good
Celery necessitates a thorough breaking-up of the ground ; and the
liberal application of manure required for the one, when thoroughly
mixed with the ground, is almost enough for the Onion crop. The
ground should be trenched across the old Celery trenches, and the
manure well broken up and thoroughly mixed with the staple as the
operation goes on. The trenching should be performed early enough to
allow the ground to benefit from it, which usually occurs in January
and February. It is well to ridge the surface or leave it rough, pre-
senting a large surface to the action of the atmosphere. The two
bottom-spits, on the other hand, should be well broken, and the sub-
soil forked up and left in the bottom.

Situation is a matter of considerable importance — shelter from high
winds, and exposure to the sun ; for if the tops get damaged by wind
before the perfecting of the bulbs, they do not swell nor ripen properly ;

1869.] THE KITCHEN-GARDEN. 489

and shade from the sun by trees or walls has the same effect. If the
soil and situation be damp and low, it is a good plan to throw the
ground into beds running north and south, and to raise them by throw-
ing the ground out of the alleys on to the beds, as is often practised
in growing Potatoes in what are termed lazy-beds. The Onion, to
grow and bulb well, likes a warm sunny situation and a somewhat
tenacious loamy soil, well drained. Light sandy soils are not likely
to produce fine Onions ; and to improve these, heavier soil is often
mixed with them. Light soil should also be well trodden and rolled
both before and after the crop is sown.

Local peculiarities of soils and climate should regulate — within certain
limits, of course — the seed-time of the Onion, and not days and dates.
There is nothing gained by early sowing in wet localities and heavy
cold soils. Under such circumstances, the middle or end of March is
sufficiently early ; while on friable loamy soils and in earlier localities
I have always taken the first favourable opportunity of sowing after
the 20th February. A fortnight or more time is of no consequence as
compared to the state of the soil ; and it is better to wait than to sow
when the surface is wet and in bad condition.

On very light, dry, shallow soils, where the crop has a tendency to
ripen off very small and prematurely when overtaken by droughts, such
as have occurred the two last summers, it is a good plan to sow part of
the crop at least in autumn. The first week in September is a good
time to sow ; if sown earlier they get too strong, and are all the more
likely to run to seed in spring. The advantage of sowing in September
on such soils is,- that the Onions are much earlier and further
advanced in size before hot dry weather sets in to stunt and ripen
them before an ordinary size is attained. Another plan, sometimes
practised on poor shallow soils, is to sow thick on poor soils, and
considerably later than is usual for spring sowing. A crop of very small
bulbs is thus produced ; and these, carefully wintered and planted on
well-enriched soil 6 inches between the rows and 4 inches between the
bulbs, produce fine crops. In Portugal they sow thickly in beds in
November, and transplant them in spring on to very rich soil ; and in
this manner their fine large bulbs are produced. All other things being
equal, the size of the bulb is largely affected by the amount of room
allowed to each. The more room within a certain limit, of course, the
larger the bulbs produced, and vice versa.

The two systems by which the seed is put in the ground — the drills,
and broadcast in beds — have each their advocates. So far as the
quality of the crop when ripe is concerned, the merits of both may be
said to be about equal. On account of the greater speed and ease with
which the crop can be put in, and afterwards freed from weeds, the

490 THE GARDENER. [Nov.

regularity with which it can be thinned, and the smaller quantity of
seed required, the drill system is much the preferable. When
sown broadcast in beds the ground looks very unsightly (a point not
to be lost sight of in all well-regulated gardens), unless the beds are
very nicely edged, the doing of which requires a deal of labour and
consum^jtion of much valuable time. Then there is the stooping and
crawling and weeding by the hand, instead of the speedy destruction
of weeds by the hoe, which make a great difference in favour of the
drill.

To do the work nicely with drills, first level the ground with the
spade, tread firmly with the feet, and make the surface smooth and
fine with the rake ; draw the drills 1 foot apart, and sufficiently deep,
so that the seed may not be disturbed at the final raking. Deep sow-
ing is to be avoided, because the more on the surface the bulbs are
formed, they are the more likely to ripen well and be free from thick-
necked bulbs, which never keep well. The drills are most si)eedily and
easily filled in with the feet ; and especially on light soils the ground
should afterwards be trodden : the nearer it approaches to sandy soil,
the more firmly it requires to be trodden. The final raking will re-
quire to be but slight, and, last of all, a light roller may be passed
over the ground in cases where the soil is light and porous.

The proper thickness to sow the seed is a point that has to be de-
cided by several considerations. Thicker seeding is necessary in cold
heavy soils than in lighter warmer soils. Very thick or very thin
seeding is neither of them desirable. It is, however, more comfort-
able to have a good many to thin out, than to have to transplant at a
time when the season is not most favourable for the latter operation.

As soon as ever the young jDlants are discernible in rows, the
Dutch hoe can be very lightly passed up between the rows, to kill seed-
ing weeds and break up the crust of the soil. This operation should
be performed at intervals, with the view of keeping the ground free
from weeds, and especially in dry weather preventing the soil from
cracking, as well as the evaporation of moisture. The first and partial
thinning should be done when the plants are large enough to bear
drawing without breaking, and should leave the young plants about
2 inches apart. The second thinning should not be too hastily done
on soils where the maggot is troublesome. It is safe to defer the last
thinning until they begin to form their bulbs, and this should leave the
crop 4 to 5 inches apart, which gives space enough for moderate-sized and
useful bulbs. The thinning should be performed with care, so that those
left are not broken nor bent, till they fall over of their own accord in the
natural process of ripening. Those of them which show signs of being
thick-necked after the bulk of the crop has collapsed, should be bent

1869.] FAILURE OF THE PEACH CROP. 491

down with tlie hand to stop further growth, and induce them to ripen.
When ready to harvest, which is known by their roots giving way and
being easily pulled up, remove them to a sunny place, and lay on a
gravel walk or on boards, to be frequently turned, and well sunned
and dried for fourteen days. Of course the state of the weather may
render this a long process outdoors, and may require that they be re-
moved to an open, dry, airy shed ; but it is preferable to have them well
sunned if the weather be fine. When thoroughly dry they should be
removed to a dry airy loft, or some similar place, to be either laid on
shelves or tied up into ropes, which work can be done in wet weather.
The cooler and drier they are stored, the longer they keep without
rotting or growing.

In most families. Onions for pickling are in demand, and are best
when the size of a small marble. The silver-skinned, sown thickly on
very poor hard soil about the end of April, answer this purpose.
They should be drawn immediately they are perfectly ripe, and before
they begin to mould in the ground, which impairs their quality, or at
all events their appearance for pickling.

To get large Onions to succeed the spring-sown or main crop, the
Tripoli, sown about the 12th August, or perhaps a week earlier in late
districts, will give good-sized bulbs by the end of May, and continue
the supply till the spring-sown ones are a considerable size. Most
persons have their favourite sorts for the main crop. Those generally
considered best are the Strasburg, James's Long Keeping, and White
Globe. There are many other varieties more or less useful, but these
three are the most generally acknowledged as desirable for extensive
cultivation. James's Long Keeping is probably the best- keeping
Onion in cultivation, and is otherwise a fine Onion.

On soils where the maggot is most troublesome, it is recommended
to grow a good proportion of the ground with Potato Onion. This
increases itself by the production of young bulbs from the parent.
Moderate-sized bulbs, planted in February, are ready for harvesting
in July, and sometimes earlier. This is a hardy variety, and resists
the attacks of insects better than the common Onion.

THE PAILURB OF THE PEACH CROP OP 1869.

The almost universal failure of the Peach crop this season is not by
any means easily accounted for ; it may be said to be unprecedented.
I am aware that there have been seasons, in particular districts, in
which the crop has been equally deficient, but then the loss has been

492 THE GARDENER. [Nov.

occasioned through some well-known agency. Severe winters have in
some instances destroyed the trees themselves ; the bloom and fruit in
embryo have been injured by spring frosts where protection had been
used as well as where it had not been employed ; neglect of the trees
the preceding season, together with other causes more or less explain-
able, have often occasioned the complete loss of a crop.

This season's failure, however, cannot reasonably be attributed to
any of the above-mentioned causes. Some other hypothesis may be
safely advanced before we correctly ascertain the real cause or causes
of such a general failure of one of our best fruits.

It is the opinion of wise amateurs, and even experienced gardeners
recommend in their directions to those that they believe require a cer-
tain amount of teaching, that protection to the bloom from spring frosts
of the more tender and early-flowering kinds of fruit-trees — such as
Apricots, Peaches, and Nectarines — is necessary to secure a crop. This
is certainly good advice so far as it goes ; but might I ask. Is the evil
not often done before protection is thought of? I would also ask,
Whether protection from spring frosts is all that is required 1 I rather
doubt it. Those who are in the habit of protecting their trees ever so
carefully, now and then sustain the loss of a crop, as well as those do
who allow their trees to take their chance. This season, particularly,
protection has not availed in any case that I am acquainted with in
this neighbourhood (Mid Kent). From careful observations which I
have made for several years past as to the time of blooming of the
Peach (which time of blooming varies but slightly, unless there is a long
duration of one sort of weather), I invariably find that the later the
trees are of blooming, the more certainty there is of a crop. During
the month of February last, sunshine prevailed more than usual for
that month of the year all over the country. The consequence was,
that trees on a southern aspect were excited into bloom before the
danger of an adverse change in the weather was over. March con-
tinued throughout damp and cloudy, with an unusually low tempera-
ture, which was anything but favourable for trees in bloom. The long-
dormant state of the sap, after it had been once excited, no doubt was
the principal cause of the fruit dropping off. By shading Apricots,
Peaches, and Nectarines growing against a south wall from the direct
rays of the sun during the latter part of February and the beginning
of March, thereby retarding the blooming period until all danger of a
check to the sap after it had commenced its flow upwards was past, a
crop might at all times be relied upon.

In the case of Orchard-houses, where a steady but increasing tem-
perature could not be maintained, the failure is equally as bad as it is
with trees in the open air. With Peach-houses, on the other hand,

1869.] HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 493

where a command of fire-heat was available, the crop is abundant. We
have a Grosse Mignonne Peach-tree here, measuring over 30 feet length-
ways, on a 16-feet wall (east aspect). After thinning and leaving a
fair crop, there are over fourteen dozen handsome and well-coloured
fruit upon the tree at the present time, many of the fruit measuring
10 inches in circumference. This tree was partly shaded in the early
season by the dense branches of several tall Elm-trees growing out-
side of the garden. The same variety of Peach on a south aspect,
together with both early and late sorts, have this season proved a total
failure.

An Elruge Nectarine-tree, growing between a Royal George and
a Noblesse Peach on a south aspect here, is a perfect picture. This
tree was experimented upon during the month of February last. It
was shaded with double mats nailed to a wooden frame, which was
placed erect about 2 feet from the wall or tree. The result is a
splendid crop. I only regret that all the other trees on the south
aspect have not been protected in the same way — not from frost, but
from the alluring brightness of the sun. Wm. Chisholm.

, BouGHTON Place, near Maidstone.

J^OTES ON HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS.

Cortusa embraces only one species, the C. Matthioli. It is near akin
to Primula, and in general appearance and habit of growth resembles
some of the species of that family. It is found, in company with
several of the AljDine Primulas, inhabiting moist valleys at high eleva-
tions on the Alps of Italy and neighbouring countries, and is therefore
best adapted for cultivating on rockwork, where partial shade and
abundant moisture can be given it in the growing season. In warm
sheltered situations, where moisture abounds in the atmosphere and
the soil is naturally or artificially well drained, it may succeed in the
open ground ; but there are very few places in this country where
these conditions exist in the degree necessary to the wellbeing of this
little plant. It will therefore be safer to keep it on rockwork, of which
it is more characteristic than the open dressed border, and in cold wet
localities less or more of it should be kept in pots and wintered in a
cold dry frame to provide against loss of stock. Rich loam, or a little
peat and loam, with a liberal allowance of sharp sand, forms a congenial
compost. Whether in pots or otherwise, it must be remembered that
ample drainage should be provided, and copious supplies of water dur-
ing the time it is making growth. Propagate by seeds and division^

494: THE GARDENER. [Nov.

the latter immediately after flowering, and the seeds in the way re-
commended for Primula. It is rather a handsome little plant, with
nothing very showy either in the mass or colour of the flowers, but
will always be interesting to those who take a delight in the simple
beauty of Alpine plants. The leaves are nearly round, heart-shaped at
the base, very slightly lobed, and sharply toothed. The flower-stems
are about 6 or 8 inches high, terminating in a small loose umbel of
few small bright red flowers on drooping foot-stalks ; the corolla is
slightly bell-shaped, and deeply divided in five segments. Flowers in
April, May, and June.

Soldandla comprises a most interesting group of the smallest and
most beautiful of Alpine plants. It is nearly related to Cortusa and
Primula, but is easily distinguished from either by the cup -shaped
deeply-fringed corolla, and by the style of the foliage, which, with the
simplest variation, is the same in all the species, and at the same time
very distinct from that of any of the species of the related genera.
They are found at very lofty elevations on the Alps of Europe ; two,
at least, of the species ascend to near the line of perpetual snow. To
be successful with them, we must, as near as circumstances will permit,
imitate the climate and other conditions of their native homes. I
have seen them succeed very fairly in an open peat border in Ireland,
but they are soon lost if any attempt is made to cultivate them in the
open border in the majority of localities — and, indeed, success is not
always sure on rockwork; but with proper care and attention they are
very manageable in pots, wintered in frames, and bloomed there, and
transferred to the rockwork to make growth. A moderately shady
position is best, and thej'' would sufi'er a constant state of saturation,
and be the better for it while growing, provided the drainage is good ;
but when ample growth is made, less moisture is necessary. In nature
they are deluged with snow-drip while growing, but it must be re-
membered that on the steep mountain-sides and rocky places on which
they are found it is impossible that stagnation can take place. In
winter they will endure much cold, but suffer disastrously from damp ;
the frame, therefore, in which they are wintered should be cool and
dry; and if they are left on the rockwork out of doors, a ledge project-
ing overhead, so as to protect from battering showers, would be a good
safeguard. Propagate by division immediately after flowering, and by
seeds sown as soon as ripe, in a cold frame.

S. alpina has small round leaves, dark-green, smooth, and some-
what leathery, on short stout stalks. The flower-stalks are erect, bear-
ing two or three bright purple, slightly bell-shaped, deeply-fringed
flowers. Flowers in April or May. Sandy peat and loam. Very high
elevations on the Alps, Pyrenees, and Apennines. •

1869.] HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 495

S. montana is closely allied to S. alpina ; the leaves are similar in
form but larger, and the flowers are more numerous in the umbel, less
deeply fringed, and paler purple. Flowers in April and May. Found
in moist open woods at high elevations on the mountains of Austria
and Bohemia. Ver}' sandy peat and loam, the peat predominating.

S. minima is perhaps the prettiest, as it is also one of the least, of
the group. The leaves are very small, and nearly round or kidney-
shaped. The flower-stalks are erect but slender, bearing usually only
one comparatively large flower, whitish, and veined on the inner sur-
face with pale purple, the fringe not deep. Flowers in April and May.
Mountains of Switzerland, Styria, and Carniola. Same soil as for the
two preceding sj)ecies.

S. 2')usiUa is very beautiful, but rather rare. It is in the way of S.
minima ; the flowers, however, are bright blue, and I have met with an
almost copper-coloured variety that is interesting. From the Alps of
Sv/itzerland. Flowers in April and May. Sandy peat and loam, the
peat predominating.

Dodecatheon — ' American Cowslip ' — is a small group of pretty well
known and much-admired hardy border plants. They are of simple
accommodating nature, doing well in most soils and situations, but
reach the greatest perfection in deep moist rich loam and in partial
shade. Propagate by division in early spring, or by seeds, which they
produce freely.

D. Meadia is the best-known species. The leaves are all radical,
stalkless, oblong lanceolate, thin and soft in texture, and pale green, ob-
scurely toothed, dying off shortly after flowering. The flower-stems are
a foot or more high, bearing a considerable umbel of elegant drooping
flowers of interesting shape. The flowers are rosy-purple, and divid-
ed into flve broad much-reflexed segments. Flowers in April, May,
and June, and in the north often blooming well through July.
There are several varieties of this species of greater or less distinctness,
which are often vended as species. The best of them are, D. M. ele-
gans, syn. giganteum, remarkable for greater luxuriance in all its parts,
and rather more delicate colouring; D. M. album, with white flowers
suffused with rose ; and D. M. lilacinum, with rosy-lilac flowers.

D. integrifolium has oblong leaves destitute of teeth. The flower-
stems are from 6 to 12 inches high. The inflorescence is the same as
in D. meadia, but the divisions of the corolla are more acute, and the
colour is rosy-crimson. Flowers April, May, and June. W. S.

ffi->^^^l6--M5

496 THE GARDENER. [Nov.

THE CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS.

{Continued from page iQ5.)
THE PLUM.

We now beg to call the attention of the reader to the cultivation of the
Plum, which may be classed as the third in point of importance among
the larger-growing hardy fruits. No well-regulated, in fact no garden of
any pretensions whatever, ought to be without a well-selected assortment
of Plums. If these are properly chosen, and receive ample treatment,
there will be no difficulty in having a regular supply every day, both for
the table and kitchen use, from the beginning of August till the end of
j^ovember, or even in later seasons till the beginning of December.

The Plum is generally propagated by budding or grafting, although
several varieties — such as the Damson, Wentworth, and several others
of the more common varieties — may be increased either by layers or
suckers. When thus propagated, they form large vigorous trees,
which are often barren for many years. Root -pruning does not
even have so much effect upon them as in the case of grafted or bud-
ded trees. The Damson is said to reproduce itself pretty truly from
seed ; of this, however, we have no experience ; and looking at the matter
from a theoretical point of view, we certainly would not recommend
it, as we would expect a rank, coarse-growing tree, which would be
loath to bear and vigorous to grow. The stocks in most general use
for grafting or budding upon are the Mussel, which produces the
largest, the best, and longest-lived trees, and is therefore the best
adapted for working upon for large standards. The white Pear Plum
and the St Julian are also pretty freely used, and answer the same pur-
pose very well. The Magnum Bonum has also been used at times, as
well as several others of the stronger-growing varieties, but they do not
answer so well as those we have already enumerated. Where a dwarf
habit and early fertility are much in demand, the Prunus spinosus, or
Sloe, is sometimes used, but these often prove very shortlived and
tender-constitutioned plants. The next best are the Mirabelle Plum or
the Damas Noir, which both tend to dwarf the tree, and at the same
to induce earlier fertility.

The first consideration with those who wish to embark upon the pro-
pagation of the Plum will be the production of stocks. As already
hinted, these are the best when produced from seed of whatever variety
may be chosen upon for this purpose. Where layers or suckers are
employed for this purpose they often prove very troublesome in again
producing a yearly crop of the same, to the great injury of the tree as
well as the crop. The best time to sow the stones is in November.

1869.] CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS. 497

The French leave this over till spring. Seeing how much better,
however, is their climate for germination and after- progress, they
may and do produce as good, if not better, stocks than we do by this
method. By our sowing in November^ the seeds become soft and
ready to burst ere the spring, so that the young seedling has got a
greater length of time to grow and perfect its wood than if only
freshly planted in spring. A nice bed, according to the quantity of
seed about to be sown, ought to be prepared early in November. It
should be made nice and rich by the introduction of leaf-mould and old
mushroom-dung ; and if the soil is of a stiff clayey nature, sand or some
other cutting material should also be introduced. The drills ought
to be about 1 foot apart, and from 2 to 3 inches deep, according to
the sizes of the seed. Into these drills the seeds may be deposited at
distances of about 3 inches apart. By the month of September follow-
ing, the greater part of the young plants will be ready for transplant-
ing out into nursery-lines. When this operation is being performed
the roots may be shortened considerably, and the top of the young
shoot cut back to the first firm, plump, and ripe bud. They may be
planted out into lines 2 feet apart and 1 foot between each plant in
the line. Here they may remain with no other attention until the
following season, except having the soil regularly kept clean and free
from weeds. If, however, there should be any nice strong shoots
which it may be desirous to keep for working at standard height, these
ought now to be selected and trained up by a stake in the manner
already described when treating of the Pear. The following autumn they
ought all again to be transplanted, having their roots thoroughly cut
back, as already directed, and replanted in the same manner and at
the same distances as recommended for the Pear at the same stage —
viz., 2 feet.

Where new varieties of the Plum are wanted, we would in this, as in
all other cases, recommend that all the flowers intended to pro-
duce seeds for young trees ought to be regularly impregnated,
making the selection of parents the primary object, choosing a
female of a strong healthy and hardy constitution free from all
sorts of diseases ; to cross with this, the male parent should pos-
sess at least flavour, but if flavour, size, health, and constitution
can all be obtained in one, so much the better. We would further
recommend every precaution to be used to avert any probability
of impregnation from any unknown source. For full particulars
regarding this, we refer the reader to our article upon the Pear,
where he will find this more fully explained. The stones must
be saved, and sown at the same time as if they were intended for
stocks, and receive the same attention with regard to root-pruning,

498 THE GARDENER. [Nov.

&c. At the end of the first season's growth, if it should prove a
strong-growing variety, the young shoot of the seedling will be strong
enough to graft or bud from. If this should be the case, some old tree
in good health, but not vigorous, ought to be selected to put it upon.
By placing a graft upon such a tree, in the course of two or three years
the variety might be thoroughly proved and tested as regards its quali-
ties of size, flavour, colour, and appearance.

Budding appears to be more generally adopted by nurserymen for
propagating the Plum than grafting ; but whether it is considered by
them as a better method or not, we are not aware. It may be that
they adopt this plan to enable them to get another opportunity for
grafting in the succeeding spring, should the bud fail to take upon the
stock. Good trees can be got by adopting either method ; and if we
were asked the question, what method we would prefer, if we were to
be confined to one of the two 1 we certainly would say grafting, as
we consider it equally sure ; and, at the same time, we may be able to
get a young tree possessing two or three branches the first year by graft-
ing if stock and scion are both strong, whereas by budding one shoot
is invariably the result. Strong-growing varieties should be grafted
near the ground, say from 9 inches to 1 foot high ; and if wanted for
a standard, have the leader trained to a stake and led up to where it
may be desirable to form a head. Where the variety to be worked is
weak and slow of growth, if it is wanted to form a standard the
stock should be grown for the purpose, and be grafted at standard
height. When scions are taken off for grafting purposes, more know-
ledge and discrimination are necessary for the selecting of Plums
than perhaps any other variety of fruit. Much of the gum and
canker which w^e see amongst young Plum-trees is the result of want
of attention to two simple little facts — viz., the taking off the scion
while the parent tree is at rest, and also the heading-down of the
stock before the rise of the sap. If these two facts be neglected, it
wiU be found almost an impossibility to form a union ; and should a
union be formed, the almost inevitable result will be canker and gum.
This may be one reason why nurserymen prefer budding, as this
operation is done at a very different season, and consequently there
is less chance of these diseases attacking the young trees. December
is the month we should select for taking off scions of young Plums,
as this, of all the months of the year, is the one when all vegetation is
most thoroughly dormant. These should be taken off with care, espe-
cially to see that the young shoots possess plenty of wood-buds, and
no, or as few as possible, flower -buds. These, when taken off,
should be put in by the heels into the soil to await the grafting
season. The stocks should also be cut back to their desired height

1869.] CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS. 499

about this time, at least to within an inch or so of that height. Our
object in leaving a little more than what is needed is to be prepared
in case frost might crack the stock, so that we can spare a piece of
the top to cut it down to the sound wood. The time when this
operation may best be performed will depend on circumstances, condi-
tions, and varieties. We might say from the middle of March
to the middle of April is the best or only time to do this ; but
in place of doing so we will simply say that the best time is when the
stock is fairly on the move, and the scion shows signs of starting. In
this, as in all other cases, we prefer the stock to be in advance of the
scion, and the reasons we give in this case are identical with those
given when treating upon this point in a former article. In the case
of grafting Plums, it is sometimes necessary to take the top or ter-
minal portion of the shoot. Especially where the trees from which
the scions are taken are very old is this the case, as many of the
shoots made by such trees seldom possess more than one or two wood-
buds ; and where there is only one, that one is always terminal. In
the case of young healthy trees, this will not be necessary, as they pro-
duce wood-buds in abundance, and the graft maybe selected from the best
and ripest portion of the shoot. Any of the modes of grafting which
we have recommended when speaking of the Pear and Apple will do for
the Plum. As it is sometimes difficult to form a union in grafting the
Plum, we would recommend drawing the earth up over the point of union ;
which, by excluding the atmosphere and keeping the scion in a more moist
condition than it could be without, will greatly facilitate a union, and
will at the same time keep the graft free from the violence of the storm.
This of course only applies to those trees grafted a few inches from the
ground ; those grafted at standard height must be steadied by a stake,
and have a good supply of moss tied over the clay after the operation
is finished. This moss must be kept regularly moistened in dry
weather, and when regularly attended to in that way will be of much
service in efFectino^ a union.

Where budding is resorted to, shield-budding we consider to be
the best ; and, as a consequence, the autumn is the time to perform it.
Circumstances alone can definitely point out the date, but, as a rule, at
the beginning of August or end of July will be found to answer the
jmrpose best. The beginner in matters of this sort must be very
careful not to waste his labours in vain by taking flower in place of
wood buds. Wood-buds are always distinguished from flower-buds by
their more slender and pointed appearance, while flower-buds are always
known by their round plump look. The bud ought to remain dormant
during the first autumn and winter, and push immediately into growth
the following season. In the course of a few weeks the operator may

600 THE GARDENER. [Nov.

know whether or not the bud will fail if he attends to what has already-
been said upon this i^oint — viz., when making the bud, allow a small
portion of the leaf and foot-stalk to remain thereupon ; and should this
drop off in the course of a few weeks, success is sure to crown the oper-
ation, whereas, if it dries up and adheres, it is a sure token that it will
not take. Whatever sort of material is used for tying up the bud will,
in the course of a few weeks, begin to get tight and leave marks upon
the wood. Care should be taken to remove and renew these ties from
time to time, as, if they are allowed to remain for a length of time,
they are sure to cause gum or canker. The best material for this
purpose is stocking worsted, which is at once strong and elastic. We
have often wondered how little belts of india-rubber would answer the
purpose. We never have met with any one who has tried it, but it is
our intention to make some experiments with it ; and whether or not
it answers the end in view, we will let the result be known. In spring,
when the bud shows signs of starting into growth, the ties may be
removed at once, unless there should be token of not very firmly
adhering. In that case they may be allowed to remain for some time
longer, but should be looked to every week and retied, as, if this is
not regularly done, they will soon cut into the wood, as both stock and
bud will be swelling rapidly, and in the course of a few weeks will
probably double their circumference unless the stock be all the larger.
Should the ties be allowed to remain, and the tree growing so rapidly,
it will at once be seen that a very unsightly mark would thus be made,
which would materially reduce the resisting powers of the tree, and
make it very susceptible to being broken over at this point by any
storm. James McMillan.

{To he continued,)

HINTS FOR AMATEURS.— NOVEMBER.

l^ow that winter is fast approaching, much of what is termed the
"rough " work of the garden should be carried forward without delay.
It is too often the case with amateur gardeners to be in a miserable
plight at this season — all the falling leaves, decaying vegetable refuse,
and litter lying about, and much left to the turn of the year which has
to be hurried through and often half done. This applies not only to re-
novation, but also to the usual course of work — such as trenching, drain-
ing, manuring, &c. While weather is open, no time should be lost in
preparing for the coming season. After all refuse is cleared off to the
compost-heap, let a good coating of manure be wheeled on in ridges,

1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 501

and a trench taken out 2 or 3 spades deep and about 3 feet wide
for the first (as more is required to fill in at the finishing than 2 J feet
of a trench would give, which is the usual width). If the bottom is
heavy clay, and the top part of a light nature, a little of the subsoil
brought up would improve the soil, or light brought up to heavy clay
land would improve it ; but this must be done with caution, as we
have seen crops ruined for a season by turning up much of a poor sub-
soil. The great object is to have deep soil which will hold its own
against a wet or dry season. Turning the bottom spade over roughly,
and placing a thick layer of half-decayed manure over it, is a good pre-
paration ; but thoroughly-decomposed manure may only be placed
under the top spade : a rough-ridged surface will break over freely in
February and March, which makes a fine preparation for seeds at that
time. Good healthy loam added to old garden ground is often much
better than the usual coatings of manure.

Pease and Beans may be sown on a sheltered border about the middle
of the month. If sown on the surface in rows rather more thickly
than usual, and the earth drawn over them, there will be a good chance
of an early crop, if mice and rats can be kept at bay : chopped furze
placed over them often does well ; red-lead among the seed is not
relished by vermin. But those who have means to raise their early
Pease under glass in boxes, tiles, turfs, &c., and plant them out in
March, well hardened and sturdy, seldom sow in November. Sang-
ster's No. 1 and First Crop are still favourites for early work. Early
Longpod and Mazagan Beans may also be sown now in rows, if
wanted early, 2 to 3 feet apart, and an inch or two from seed to seed.
They can be thinned out if they require it when through the ground.
Allowance should always be made at this season for losses. Pease in
bearing should now be protected from frost. They are now valuable
and scarce ; Veitch's Perfection and M'Lean's Premier are yielding
fair with us at present. The latter were topped back with common
garden-shears, watered and mulched with short grass, but are now
loaded with flowers and green pods. It is becoming difficult to gather
one dish daily, as the exposure to wind and rain is of the worst descrip-
tion. These are two of the finest-flavoured Pease we ever tried. Many
new ones have been tried here this season ; some have supplied fine
crops of large well-filled pods of wretched quality. It appears from
what we have read in one or two contemporaries, that soil and
locality seem to entirely change the character of some kinds of Peas.
Celery should now be well earthed up. The soil placed round the
stems to keep them compact, and the earth out of the hearts, are the
principal parts of the operation ; dustings of lime will keep slugs in
check. A quantity of Horse-radish, Jerusalem Artichoke, and other

502 THE GARDENER. [Nov,

hardy roots, should be lifted to keep up a supply if the ground should
become frozen. Brussels Sprouts are now ready for use. Some take
the tops first, with the idea that the Sprouts will swell out better, others
leave the tops for protection : however, we have failed to observe much
difference either way. Keeping them clear of dead and decaying leaves
is of importance. It is now late to sow small Salads outside, but in
boxes or earthen pans small quantities may be sown, and can be raised
in the window of a dwelling-house, or anywhere that a growing tem-
perature can be allowed. Golden and American Cress, with us, often
give a supply the whole winter through, when well established at the
base of a wall. Lettuce, late Cauliflower, Broccolis, or any other
vegetables liable to be destroyed by frost, should be taken under cover
in time, in a cool dry earth-pit ; they will keep good for weeks. Let-
tuce and Cauliflower (for next season's supply), growing in frame, &c.,
should be kept dry, and the surface soil free and healthy. AVe have
seen successful market-growers have the soil for these and Salads in
frames so free, that they could blow it with their breath — almost en-
tirely withholding water till active growth commenced, then there was no
stint in supplying it. Globe Artichokes should have the soil thrown up
to the collars of the plants, sloping so that rains would be carried off.
Dry litter is often used, but if not placed compact, and so as to throw
off wet, it does more damage than full exposure to all weathers. Pars-
ley under protection should have plenty of air, only using the covers
when weather is severe. Grubs have kept down Parsley crops with us
this season, but a few bundles of thinnings from friends will keep us
well supplied. These thinnings were planted thickly in an earth-pit,
and are now growing freely, and will be kept as a reserve. It is un-
pleasant, as well as injurious to the crop, to sweep off frozen snow to
find a picking. Let Beet, Carrots, and any other roots in store, be
looked to, as some may be rotting or heating.

Box edgings may be formed or repaired. The latter operation is
very unsatisfactory. For the fresh box, let the edge be dug over,
breaking the soil well, picking out any stones that might be in the
way of the spade ; thoroughly tread and beat down the soil to the
proper level, and cut out a notch close along a mark made with the
o-arden-line ; and after the box is reduced and neatly trimmed, it
should be placed in the cut made for it, placing the soil to the roots,
while the plants are kept in their place with the back of the left
hand, leaving the tops an inch or so above the soil ; level in and
tread the soil firmly, replace and level the gravel, and the operation
is finished. Gravelling and turning walks may be done at any time
in the winter months, making them firm by treading, levelling, and
roUino-. gait stops the work of worms ; care must be exercised

1 369.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 503

afterwards for a time, till the salt dissolves, as if carried on to lawns
with the feet, dark patches would soon be seen on the grass.

Planting of fruit-trees should be finished as soon as possible.
Though we have often planted from October up till April, it was
more from necessity than choice. In frosty weather there should be
no planting done. Concrete should be used for a bottom, which will
save trouble, and induce early fruitfulness, as w^hen the roots run
down on the hard bottom they turn outwards, and establish them-
selves in the healthy soil, where they can be easily got at, and cut if
necessary to keep down rank growth. AYe have often made useful
concrete with equal parts of coal-ashes and gravel, with a small
portion of lime mixed well, using enough water to make it like
mortar : a few inches spread over the space below where the trees were
to be planted, and well beaten down, and allowed to dry, soon becomes
like stone. Care should be taken, when placing the concrete, to let it
come up the base of the wall a little, as the roots often find their way
down between the wall and concrete. We examined some Apricot
roots lately, which had found their way down close to the wall : they
were cut clean off; the concrete was as hard as rock. When planting
trees on walls where there are different aspects, proper arrangements
should be made to keep the kinds by themselves ; for example. Peaches
and Apricots should have the south aspect. Plums face to east, and Pears
the west; Morello Cherries and Currant (red and white), to be kept late,
may face the north ; early Cherries and Pears are often placed on a south
wall. There is an advantage in having kinds of fruits by themselves,
if only for netting, or otherwise protecting them from frost and birds.
Lifting of trees which are growing too strong, or where they are can-
kered and subject to red-spider, may be finished as soon as possible.
When fruit cracks and falls off before it is ripe, there will generally
be a cause found for it at the roots. They will be either perishing in
unhealthy clay, or starving in miserable sand or gravel. The roots
should be carefully cleared from the soil with a fork, and unhealthy
ones cut off, or strong coarse growers reduced, and the whole replanted
in healthy clean loam, keeping them flat and regular over the sur-
face, placing 6 or 8 inches of the healthy loam over the roots, finish-
ing with a mulching of littery dung to keep out frost and drought.
When we see trees of any kind liable to the attacks of red-spider, we
suspect the feeders, more or less, have found their way into sandy or
otherwise unsuitable soil. As examples we give the following : — In a
long peach-house, where about 20 peach-trees were planted, we could
not keep the trees free from red-spider by any amount of syringing or
watering. The fruit fell off prematurely. We lifted the whole of
them in October, and found an excellent border of healthy loam, in

2 L

504 THE GARDENER. [Nov.

wbicli the fibres were matted ; but the principal feeders were far down
into the bottom, which was only poor sand, which could not keep fruit-
trees in existence. A firm bottom of loam and stones has kept the roots
in their place, and the trees every year bear heavy crops of fine fruit.
We examined a large old tree last season, which always carried fine
crops of fruit, but was difiicult to keep free from red-s^^ider. Though
the border inside the house was matted with roots, the spider would
come when the structure was kept drenched with moisture. We found
that a number of large roots had found their way under the concrete of a
vine-border. We cut them clean off, and applied a good dressing of cow-
dung over the remaining roots, and a fine crop of fruit has been picked,
and the tree is in finer condition than ever we saw it, no spider having
appeared. A house of Vines we once examined at the roots, which had
been planted in a carefully-formed border of excellent loam, bones, &c. ;
but the drainage rested on sandy gravel, in which the roots found their
way, and ran many feet downwards. Red-spider, in the autumn,
always appeared in great force ; no prevention had any effect on it, while
a house of Vines adjoining growing in similar loam resting on concrete
never showed spider at all, even though the weather was ever so dry
or fine, heat ever so strongly applied, The upper stratum of roots
often keeps the trees well supplied for a time, and while the supply is to
be had from those lower down, red-spider, and badly coloured or cracked
fruit are the result. Quantities of good Pears are now had from standard
trees here ; until they were lifted from the miserable subsoil, small,
gritty, and cracked fruit was all that was produced. Pruning of
trees and bushes may be proceeded with as soon as the leaves are all
off. Apples, if in bush form, may be pruned to spurs left on upright
rods, cutting out all crop shoots, keeping the hearts open, allowing
young shoots to take the place of old ones wearing out. Trees, to keep
them healthy and vigorous, should have a portion of old wood cut out
yearly, and enough young growth left to take the place of the old.
This rule should apply to all fruit-trees. Continued spurring-in brings
on stunting and premature decay. Currants, red and white, may be
treated like Apples. Black Currants do best by thinning out a portion
of young and old wood, keeping the bush healthy and vigorous with
upright clean wood. Gooseberries require to be severely thinned, cut-
ting out crossing branches, spurring-in to the main stems, leaving a
supply of young wood, and removing old crooked branches. Little
topping of the wood is necessary, if upright sturdy leaders can be
secured. Save prunings true to name, to keep up a stock of fresh
bushes ; put them in by the lower ends, to keep them fresh till the cut-
tings can be made. Apple and Pear shoots may be kept for grafts.
Wall-trees should be pruned in open weather, leaving Peaches, Nectar-

1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 505

ines, and Apricots till February or March. Pears should be spurred
in closely, leaving the side spurs close to the wall ; old spurs may be
thinned out if they are too thick. The centres of young trees may be
cut back if a supply of wood is scanty, but for no other reason would
we cut back young trees. Plums may be allowed to retain all natural
spurs when they are well placed, but nothing should be allowed to grow
straight out from the walls. Where proper attention was given during
the growing season, there will be little to do with the knife now. Figs
may be wrapped up with straw-bands for protection, or thatch placed
against the walls will do well. Morello Cherries require a portion of
last year's wood cut out, and enough fresh shoots left to keep the tree
regular and balanced, but crowding is a great evil. These trees are
often liable to canker and die off. Lifting them cannot be always safely
done ; but if done piecemeal, the trees will stand it well and profit by
it. Much cankering in trees is caused by late unripened growth and
starting early in spring, when frost takes hold of the sappy wood. Well-
ripened wood is perhaps the most important agent in securing free-
bearing healthy trees. Nailing and tying in the shoots should be done
on every mild occasion. Raspberry canes which have supplied fruit
should be cut out, and the number of young canes reduced if necessary.
Rows of them, tied to rails, 9 inches to a foot apart, will be thick
enough for ordinary fruiting ; they may be topped to 4 or 5 feet high,
or more if the rods are strong.

All kinds of shrubs may still be planted when weather is mild : let
the pits for the roots be much wider than the roots of the plants ; sup-
ply plenty of fresh soil if necessary. No roots of other trees should be
allowed to enter the fresh soil. If the tree or bush is large, ropes fast-
ened to stakes may be required to keep the tree secure against wind.
Fastening all round in the way tents are done will keep all secure, and
allow the roots to take hold of the fresh soil. All occupants of flower
borders and beds should be cleared off, if not already done. The
empty spaces may be filled up, to give effect, at once, with such plants
as Stachys, Arabis, Ajuga, &c. Such shrubs as variegated Hollies, Aucu-
bas, Yariegated Yews, and many others, can be used with fine effect.
We often stick pieces of them into beds, to keep the earth covered
through the winter. Where annuals are wanted for spring-flowering,
shrubs can only be sparingly used. A^ariegated Kales have found
only limited favour. Though I admired Miss Hope's arrangement at
Wardie, I was not able to carry it out here. When snow fell, and was
followed by wet or frost, both nose and eyes suffered. The scent and
sight were anything but pleasant. Dahlias should be removed to dry
quarters where no frost can reach them. Bulbs of all kinds should be
planted without delay : rich fresh turfy loam and some sand in it is

506 THE GARDENER. [Nov.

necessary, to do tliem justice. Crocuses are a favourite morsel of rats,
mice, and squirrels, and require looking after. Tar sprinkled over the
beds helps to keep these vermin off : rows and patches of distinct-col-
oured bulbs have a fine effect. With Crocuses we sometimes have had
rows of the following, admired : white, blue, yellow, and purple, in
long lines, round a flower-garden. All plants, such as Pinks, Cloves,
Picotees, Pansies, Auriculas, ikc, under cover, require to be kept very
dry. No damp or greenness should be allowed on the surface of pots.
Frequent stirring will do all plants good at this season. Give water
to moisten the balls of soil through, but not oftener than they require
it. Plants requiring greenhouse temperature may be kept at 40° to 45°
without sun. Crowding is very injurious to all kinds of plants ; naked
stems and decaying foliage are the result. All plants for forcing, how-
ever hardy, should be kept from frost. Rhododendron, Kalmias, Lilacs,
Roses, hardy Azaleas, Deutzias, can be brought into flower (if well pre-
pared previously) very easily with a little moist heat, and do well when
in flower in a cool dry temperature. Roman Hyacinths and Lily of
the Valley are among our earliest favourites. Slow forcing suits all
hardy plants best. Chrysanthemums now require plenty of manure-
water, fresh air, and plenty of light. M. T.

CROPPING FRUIT-TREE BORDERS.

"Cast down, torn up, cut asunder, they are not destroyed. In the
silence, in the darkness, exposed to freezing cold, benumbed with chill-
ing water, they work bravely on to recover their misfortune, resolved
to live, and not to die. But the warfare with our cruel culture is
unequal. Once a-year, sometimes much oftener, we attack them with
our spades. Hardly have they had time to gather up their ener-
gies and heal their wounds, than they are made to bleed afresh. And
so the unequal contest continues, until at last the energies of the
roots become paralysed, and their signals of distress are hoisted high
on to the top of the tree." Such, according to some who have as-
sumed no little importance as horticultural teachers, are the lamen-
table and destructive effects of cropping our fruit-tree borders with
vegetables. It is not very clear whether we are responsible for
compelling the roots to work "in the silence" and "in the darkness,"
or whether this also is a weak feature of our practice, but it is a con-
dition of their existence which the writer evidently regards with deep
commiseration. Putting this question aside, however, for the present,
as altogether unintelligible and too dark for our apprehension, the

1869.] CROPPING FRUIT-TREE BORDERS. 507

above picture is bad enough ; and unless it has been dictated by experi-
ence of a peculiarly barbarous description, we would be somewhat
inclined to think that the author has been " a-piiin' the agony" rather
too high. When we first perused his remarks, we were irresistibly dis-
posed to exclaim with the Vermonter who, when the Yankee orator
turned round after delivering a highly sensational harangue, observed
" Yew dew talk." Charitably supposing that the savages who annually
attack their trees with their spades, and who tear and cut asunder, are
chiefly confined to the neighbourhood of Bedlam and other mad centres,
or, what would be better, that they are a creation of the brain, we will
proceed to discuss the subject in the language of the craft, looking, as
we go along, at both sides of the question as they have been presented
by different writers during the last twelve months. And in order
that we may do so in a true spirit of humility, allow me, in the first
place, to draw the attention of your readers to the following estimates
of their intelligence on the great question of " roots, " as entertained
by the author of the above sensational paragraph,- which, in fact, neces-
sitated the assumption that " root- culture is the weak feature of our
practice ;" and he proceeds : " In fact, it is not too much to say that
as a science it is all but ignored. The ideas of the best cultivators are,
upon this head, of the most elementary description. With many they
reach no farther than that the roots belong to the earth, and that they
must be covered over. Others go a step beyond this, and add that
they must be kept near the surface, and be furnished with suitable
food and drink." So much for the pre- Adamite notions of the '' best
cultivators." What the ideas of the others must be, I leave your read-
ers to guess. This we have learned at least, that they do not delight
in the silence and the darkness. But only upon certain wise men in
the East has dawned the knowledge that is destined to revolution-
ise fruit-tree culture, and there it shines with refulgent brightness.
Vf hat a Utopia for fruit-trees ! where not only is all the light of rea-
son brought to bear upon their welfare, but where their misfortunes
are even regarded with feelings of the deepest sympathy and concern.
Now, Mr Editor, to those who, like your correspondent, have to
vegetate in an ungenial climate, and who are nevertheless expected to
hurry in all sorts of early vegetables with the first bKnk of the summer's
sun, and mayhap to put in a regular appearance at Belgrave or Gros-
vener Square from the beginning of May, the giving up of their
early borders, with no j^rospect of an equivalent, requires serious con-
sideration. I have no doubt that the non-cropping system would suc-
ceed as far as the fruit-trees are concerned ; but would the extra crops
of fruit be equal to the sacrifice we are called upon to make % Or, on
the other hand, if it can be proved that healthy trees can be grown

508 THE GARDENER. [Nov.

and fair crops of fruit obtained, and the value of tlie space increased
two-fold or more, by taking early and late crops of vegetables off tbe
borders, would we be warranted in discontinuing the practice 1 That's
the question : and herein, as Thomas Carlyle would say, lieth the true
kernel of the matter. Once prove the fact that the cropping system
is injurious, and then a little eloquence might perhaps be beneficially
expended by those who are brimful of that commodity ; but mere
sanguine enthusiasm, unsupported by practical testimony, is utterly
worthless, and only calculated to mislead. If it was only a question
of Pears, Plums, and Peaches, it would be different ; but gardening
generally has to be studied pretty much in the aggregate. There are
few establishments where early Pease, Potatoes, Cauliflowers, &c., are not
prized as much as Peaches or Pears are in autumn ; and so the gardener
has to work on the compromising system, and eke out, as it were, at
both ends.

That the condition of the fruit-trees in many gardens is bad enough,
I admit, but it would be pure assumption to attribute failure generally
to cropping the borders. In nine cases out of ten it is a question of
labour. Sterility and failure of crops are much oftener due to over-
luxuriance, caused through want of the necessary attention to root-prun-
ing, than to damage done by the spade, which, when borders are dug
regularly, is not appreciable. Wall-trees in our comparatively sunless
climate are always more disposed to expend their energies in the growth
of wood than in fruit ; and as they are annually denuded of their
season's growth, they will, unless checked at the root also, continue to
produce only a thicket of spray, or, when the roots get down into a
bad subsoil, perish of canker or some other disease. These are by far
the most common faults of root-culture, and they are faults which the
non-cropping system would not remove ; but it would be wrong to
attribute their existence in every case to ignorance. Had we time to
attend as systematically to the roots as to the pruning and training
of the branches, good crops of fruit — putting accidents of weather,
&c., aside — might be calculated upon to a certainty; but it is seldom,
indeed, that the gardener has the means of accomplishing all that he
knows to be necessary in this respect.

But let us look more particularly at the objections themselves which
have been raised by different writers to cropping the borders, and see
what real weight is attached to them. There are only two of import-
ance. The first is, that the roots of the fruit-trees are mutilated by
the spade in digging the border ; and the second, that they suffer in-
juriously from cold in winter, and heat and drought in summer. The
first objection may be disposed of by saying that, when digging is done
regularly, the tearing and cutting asunder is a myth, as every ex^^eri-

1869.] CROPPING FRUIT-TREE BORDERS. 509

enced gardener knows : in scores of instances, I never saw as many-
roots brought up with the spade as w^ould fill a tobacco-box, in borders
hundreds of feet in length. And as to the second objection, I would
ask how could the roots suffer to any extent, either from cold or heat,
a foot beneath the surface of a well-pulverised border, shaded by
crops — the very conditions favourable to the retention of moisture
in summer and heat in winter 1 True, the vegetables absorb a certain
amount of moisture from the soil, but they make up for it by the
shade they afford ; and the manure which is annually applied, by keep-
ing the border open, acts to a great extent as a mulching. But even
supposing the roots were subjected to extremes of heat and cold, they
would soon acquire a certain degree of hardiness that would enable them
to resist either within ordinary limits. We have constant experience of
this, and it is a fact which I do not think is questioned. Surface-
roots are always of a much hardier constitution than those which pene-
trate deeply into the soil. We can readily believe that if a Strawberry
jjlant, which had rooted deeply into the soil, w^as lifted, put in a pot,
and exposed to severe frost, it would die, or at least be greatly
injured ; but such would not be the case with a plant that had been
grown in a pot, because the roots would be hardened by exposure.
By many, frost is supposed to be fatally injurious to the roots of straw-
berries in pots ; but there is really no cause for apprehension on that
point, provided the plants are kept dry and not thawed too rapidly.
I have seen pot -plants exposed for a long period to from 12° to 15°
of frost — until the balls of the plants were raised about an inch above
the rim of the pots — and afterwards bear an excellent crop of fruit,
the roots not appearing to be at all affected. Indeed, it has yet to
be proved that the roots of fruit-trees — such as pyramids — when regu-
larly root-pruned, and encouraged to root near the surface, will not
resist as much cold as the branches. I have certainly seen Pear-trees
under these conditions bear excellent crops of fruit after a severe win-
ter, during which the roots of the trees must have been a frozen mass
for wrecks at a time. During the severe winter of 1866-67 a lot of
growing pyramids here, which had been lifted the winter previous,
were in this plight, as many others must have been throughout the
country ; yet those which escaped late frosts bore good crops — nor had
the roots suffered any apparent damage. Facts such as these, which
are no doubt common to the experience of most gardeners, warrant
us, I think, in concluding that we have no reason to apprehend dan-
ger to the roots from frost that will not injure the branches or buds
■while in a dormant condition. Nevertheless, I would not advise any
one to neglect mulching or other means of protection when they can
afford it.

510 THE GARDENER. [Nov.

But to return to tlie border-cropping, and to add our testimony to
that whicli has already been furnished by able and experienced gar-
deners in favour of continuing the system, we may state that we have
an Apricot and a Plum wall here, the border of which, until about
three years ago, had, as the writer I have quoted reverently puts it,
been "sacred to roots" — having been planted with Roses, as the v/all
happens to face into the pleasure-grounds. Farther than receiving an
annual top-dressing, the border, as far as I am aware, had not been
disturbed for many years ; and although the trees are pretty old, and
do not appear to have been neglected in the training, their success
never was such as would lead any one to think that the non-cropping
system had any particular advantages. About three years ago, however,
the Roses were lifted and the border was dug resolutely a spade-depth
all over to within 4 feet of the stems of the trees, and since then it
has been regularly planted with bedding-plants ; and I can state confi-
dently that down to this date the trees are at least no worse, but
better — in so far as the growth has been more vigorous, and the crops
better. The year before last the Apricots bore a moderate crop, and
last year quite an extraordinary one — such as history, at least, does not
credit them with before. The Plums, though healthy, have not borne
so well, but want root-prunning. We have another inner south wall
planted with Pears. Though old, and now somewhat lengthy in the
spur, they are perhaps as fine specimens of horizontal training as could
be found, generally in good health, and seldom failing to bear heavy
crops of fruit ; in fact, we rely upon them chiefly. Yet the border is,
and has always been, cropped regularly once or twice a -year, and
towards the front is sometimes dug a spade and a half deep, without
injuring the roots in the least ; and I should think they have had
ample time to hoist their signals of distress if the practice disagreed
with them. There is another wall of Jargonelles here, equally fine
specimens of fair training, but in too rampant health, in spite of con-
stantly cropped borders, as the subsoil under them is a deep strong
clayey loam, which the roots persist in getting down into with a per-
severance that " is well-nigh miraculous" — prompted, I suppose, by a
sagacious instinct to escape the " barbarous mutilations " of our " ruth-
less spades."

We have no Peaches outside ; but the outside half of the border of
our early and late Peach-houses is cropped regularly without any ap-
parent bad efiects. We even carry the cropping on to our Vine bor-
ders. In one case — a late Hambro'-house, referred to by the " Squire's
Gardener " in the January number of the ' Gardener ' — where the roots
are almost entirely outside, the border is cropped annually with early
Potatoes and suchlike, and seemingly the annual manuring for the

1869.] TRAVELLING NOTES ON GARDENS. 511

vegetable crops has the best effects on the Vines also. The crops are
always heavy and well finished. We have cut 3 and 4 lb. bunches
out of the house, and prize Grapes not unfrequently. In digging the
border, the roots of the Vines are never seen, but just beyond the
reach of the spade they are to be found in quantity.

Instances like the above could, I have no doubt, be furnished by
many of your readers. Economy has to be studied in gardening now-
adays quite as much as in other things ', and as the value of border-
crops is often not far short of the value of the fruit from the walls and
houses, I think most gardeners and proprietors will pause before
adopting a system which has neither utility nor practical evidence to
recommend it. J. Simpson, Wortley.

TBAVELIiING NOTES ON GARDENS IN THE
MIDLAND COUNTIES.

{Continued from page 350. ) '

Leaving the kitchen-garden we now pass on to the pleasure-ground,
once somewhat limited, but recent additions have very much increased
its extent. Unrestricted criticism would in this case be an unjust
interference, as no one can with any degree of certainty predict the
effect while there is little more to guide us than bare forms. This
much, however, can be said with truth, that there is every appearance
of Mr Cox having caught the requirements of the ground ; that what
he has done, and is doing, are, I believe, best suited to give character to
the place, which is by diversity of application.

Mr Cox has a flat surface to deal with — there is not a rising line to
relieve the eye. The god of monotony holds supreme power. True,
there is one redeeming feature, — the Malvern Hills rising in the dis-
tance, which are objects of great beauty throughout the surrounding
country — seen at a distance of more than forty miles. But there is no
middle distance, the want of which dwarfs extension and everywhere
besets an idea of restriction, but withal when finished will have a
pleasing effect. One of the principal features Avill eventually be an
avenue 400 yards long of Picea nobilis, planted 20 feet apart ; and
should the trees grow equally, it will be worth the labour of trudging
many miles to see. But unfortunately the habit of this Conifera is
somewhat uncertain ; even seedling plants form no exception. We often
see it planted in groups, each individual equally vigorous when young ;
but, from, some cause not easily explained, a portion slacken their pace,

512 THE GARDENER. [Nov.

become stunted, and will not move on, pertinaciously opposing every
effort to pusli them onwards.

We now reached the mansion-house, a brick building, in some
respects of an architectural mixture, unpretending in appearance, of con-
siderable dimensions, having lately received considerable additions, and
flanked by a moat on one side — things now nearly numbered with the
past. The flower-garden has lately been remodelled and extended — a
pretty geometric design — and very carefully planted, particular attention
having been paid by Mr Cox in the arrangement and harmonising of the
different shades of colour. Amongst Lord Beauchamp's extensive
improvements, he has considerately provided excellent school accommo-
dation for the poor ; and more than that, has built a handsome and com-
modious church for the use of the parish.

Having still a journey of nine miles to traverse by road ere I could
reach my resting-place for the night, necessity compelled me to part
with my kind and indulgent friend, Mr Cox, who, with his amiable
wife, had rendered my visit so very agreeable. I now started for
Eastnor Castle, the residence of Earl Somers; and as my route lay
through the town of Malvern, a passing notice may not materially
interrupt the thread of my narrative.

Malvern cannot with propriety be called a town. The designation
would be more truthful by describing it as an assemblage of detached
villa residences bristling on the hill-side. I understand that it contains
some first-class educational establishments ; but its reputation rests not
upon either classical or mathematical acquirements, but as a curative
emporium for every shade of disease, whether imaginary or real — con-
sequently Malvern represents every phase of the medical profession.

Ascending bit by bit, I had now reached the summit of an outlying
spur of the Malvern Hills, which, like the entire group, is a kind of
granite composed of quartz, felspar, and hornblende, or what geologists
term "a syenitic formation." Standing on this jutting point, we have
the extensive vale of Worcester lying at our feet, its cathedral tower and
spires rising above every other object. Before proceeding further, let
us think for a few minutes and contemplate the incessant movements of
fixed and immutable laws that have taken place in this world of ours,
and which are now as active as they have been through vast cycles of
ages that are past — essentially the same as those now in progress.
This vale, now teeming with human industry, once formed a gulf of
the sea that separated England from Wales ; and were it to subside,
even to the depth of a hundred feet, the whole would again become
submerged. There is no want of evidence that we have here an
ancient sea-bottom, and that the temperature is now greatly reduced,
arising from the fact that the fossil remains of the hippopotamus, the

1869.] TRAVELLING NOTES ON GARDENS. 513

rhinoceros, and marine animals which now only exist in warmer
latitudes, have been found in the alluvial deposit. By directing the
eye across to the opposite side of the vale, it catches the northern range
of the Cotteswold Hills, formed of argillaceous limestone and marl.
They, too, have been wholly or in part, at some unknown period, covered
with water, attested by their physical outlines, consisting of boldly-
marked promontories and deeply-receding bays ; and we might extend
the evidences by saying that this formation is found to be embedded
with marine shells, and is also the last resting-place of the ammonite,
the belemnite, with a great variety of other fossil forms. Here have also
been discovered the remains of that marvellous creature, the lizard fish,
or ichthyosaurus, possibly the most savage reptile that ever existed,
possessing a very peculiar combination of structure. Any description
of mine would very inadequately represent so complex a form, still I
cannot help noticing some of its most prominent characters. For
instance, it possessed the teeth of the crocodile, the snout of the por-
poise, the head of a lizard, the paddle of a whale, and the vertebrae of
a fish. Not less curious in form is the plesiosaurus, found in the same
locality, uniting various types of organisation peculiar to the former,
but with this difference, that the neck is very much longer, while the
back and tail have the properties of a quadruped ; so, in some respects,
it may be said that these two reptiles form an intermediate link be-
tween fishes and mammals. Whoever feels an interest in these cur-
ious creatures, and desires to become acquainted with their external
form, cannot do better than consult the figures given by Watei^house,
as they faithfully represent the exact conformation.

Posterior to this era the scene completely changed — the sea was driven
back by some mysterious agency, probably by an upheaval in one part
and a depression in another, which gave possession of the dry surface
to the hyena, the elephant, and other wild animals, whose remains have
been discovered in this locality.

Possibly there is nothing that yields more real pleasure than to
possess a knowledge of the flora of the district, the eventful changes
that the earth's crust has undergone, and its extinct organisms, in
the country through which we pass during our pedestrian journeys.
Night had now nearly enclosed creation by her sable mantle ; so rum-
inating over the preceding details, somewhat chilly and rather wet, I
pushed onwards to Eastnor Castle, and so soon as I got under the
hospitable roof of Mr Coleman, his amiable and kind-hearted wife
ministered to my necessities, which made me easily forget the toil and
anxiety of the past day. Alexander CkxVMB.

ToRTWOKTH Court.

{To he continued.)

5U THE GARDENER. [Nov.

NEW PLANTS OF THE PAST MONTH.

The approach of autumn is beginning to thin the number of new
plants that put in their claim for recognition at the hands of the Floral
Committee, though it is b}'^ no means an invariable rule, that when
new plants are thinly produced they are necessarily inferior in quality.
The meeting of the Floral Committee on the 21st of September brought
together fewer things than usual, but there were some good things
produced nevertheless. First-class certificates were awarded as follows :
To Hydrangea paniculata grandiflora, a hardy Japanese species intro-
duced some time ago, and bearing a spike of white flowers changing
with age to pale primrose : from Messrs T. Cripps & Son, Tunbridge
Wells. To Veronica blue gem, a very dwarf and compact form of the
type of V. Andersoni, with a multitude of rich blue flowers. This
plant, it is said, came up as a chance seedling, and judging from its
appearance as seen on this occasion, appears likely to make an invalu-
able decorative plant for houses, and in all probability will prove well
adapted for bedding purposes : from Mr H. W. Warren, Nurseryman,
Salisbury. To Centaurea hybrida, a seedling from C. ragusina,
but quite distinct in character, having a fine large and bold silvery
foliage : from Mr John Salter, Versailles Nursery, Hammersmith. To
Mr Green, gardener to W. Wilson Saunders, Esq., for Agave pectin-
ata, a curious Mexican species, with dark-green fleshy leaves beset
with large Avliitish spines on the margin ; and to Cupressus albo-spica,
a fine silvery-foliaged plant, which was regarded as a variegated form
of Thujopsis borealis by some, and by others to be a variety of Cup-
ressus Lawsoniana. It had a handsome elegant habit, and it is said
to preserve its character in all seasons : from Messrs J. & C. Lee,
Royal Vineyard Nurseries, Hammersmith.

Quite a sensational plant was a very fine seedling Viola, shown
under the name of Perfection, by Mr J. Jobson, Rothersfield Park
Gardens, Alton, and said to be a seedling from V. cornuta. It is
nearly thrice the size of this well-known variety, and of a deep purple
blue hue, and wonderfully profuse and continuous in bloom. It will
be sent out next spring by Mr B. S. Williams of Holloway, and was
on this occasion awarded a first-class certificate. The same award was
made to Mr J. W. Wimsett, of Chelsea, for Ivy-leaved Pelargonium
Willsii, one of Mr Wills' new hybrids, and producing numbers of
trusses of bright violet-rose flowers of the fine shape of the ordinary
zonal kinds. This was the result of a true effort at hybridisation,
and cost Mr Wills something like twelve years of patient labour.

At a later meeting of the Committee, Mr Bull contributed a collec-
tion of handsome forms of Palms, to most of which first-class certificates

1869.] NEW PLANTS OF THE PAST MONTH. 515

were awarded, not so much on account of their novelty, as of their
beauty, and because of the great repute in which these handsome plants
are so deservedly held. The following were the names of the kinds so
honoured : Dekenia nobilis, a Seaforthia-Jike species, with whitish
spines round the stem and up the leaf-stalk ; Ptychosperma elegans,
Plectocomia elongata, Ptychosperma Alexandrse, Chamcerops arborea,
by some thought to be identical with C. humilis ; Thrinax havanensis,
and Martinezia caryolsefolia. Messrs Veitch & Sons received first-class
certificates for two beautiful forms of Ansechtochili named Ordiana and
Dawsonianus pictus ; the former having deep velvety emerald-green
leaves, with white reticulations ; the latter a form of Dawsonianus,
but brighter, and more reticulated ; also for Tydea Nero, deep scarlet,
with deep dark markings, a fine garden Hybrid; to Miltonia War-
see wiczii, a new Grenadan species, with rather small flowers, the petals
of which are of a bronze colour, tipped with green, and Avith a warm
slate-coloured lip, deeply bordered with white, said to have been pur-
chased very cheaply when new, and now a small bit of it is worth ten
guineas. To Seaforthia Veitchii, a fine new Australian species, form-
ing a handsome greenhouse Palm, not so robust in growth as Elegans ;
and to Rhododendron Lobbi, a stove flowering shrub from the East
Indies, with crimson curved tubular flowers. Messrs Paul & Son,
Cheshunt, received a first-class certificate for Cupressus Lawsoniana
pendula alba, a beautiful silvery-foliage form, with a graceful pendulous
habit. The same award was made to ]\Ir C. Turner, Slough, for a
capital variegated Ivy leaved Pelargonium, named Compactum, the
leaves broadly edged with white ; and for Tropoeolum ochroleucum, a
variety with a soft yellow foliage, quite constant, and a most efi'ective
bedding plant, and an almost flowerless variety.

The following Dahlias have also received first-class certificates : —
Royalty (Rawlings), bright golden ground, the centre and some of the
florets slightly tipped with brown, of perfect shape and fine substance ;
and Provost (Turner), an orange-red floAver, the base of the florets paler,
distinct in character, and of good substance. Second-class certificates
were awarded to the following : — Alice Gair (Turner), blush, heavily
tipped and dashed with bright rosy purple ; and Lord Weymouth
(Wheeler), buff golden ground, heavily tipped with lake.

At the meeting of October 5th, a most conspicuous figure was a splen-
didly grown and bloomed plant of Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) reticulatum,
from Mr Cliffe, gardener to Lord Egerton, Tatton Park, Cheshire. It
had six splendid trusses of deep pink flowers, and was in all probability
one of the finest forms of it ever seen. It was awarded a special cer-
tificate on the ground of its superior culture. Messrs Standish & Co.,
Ascot, also exhibited some plants of Ficus macrophylla, a very free-

516 THE GARDENER. [Nov.

growing species ; the leaves are broader, of a tliinner texture, and of a
lighter green colour than Ficiis elastica, surpassing this species both
as being hardier and a faster grower, and will no doubt be a valuable
acquisition for subtropical gardening. R. D.

TROPCEOLUM SPECIOSUM.

Much has of late been said about this lovely climber; and, in my
opinion, nothing in its favour has been said that it does not richly de-
serve. As the result of this season's experiments differs most materi-
ally from my former opinion and experience regarding it, and likewise
from that of some of your correspondents, perhaps you will grant me
a corner in your magazine that I may detail the mode of treatment
that in ray opinion brought about that result.

The lady whom I have the honour to serve was loud in praise of
Tropceolum speciosum, and was most anxious to have a certain wall
covered v/ith it in real profusion that in the mean time was covered
with other creepers, all of which she was willing to sacrifice for the
"favourite" in question. About the 10th of June of this year (just
three months ago), I was consulted about the propriety of at once re-
moving the old occupants to make room for T. speciosum. As I was
of opinion it would do little or no good before the third year, and like-
wise as I wished to keep on the safe side, I gave it as my opinion
that the season was now too far advanced for doing it, but that if she
could make up her m.ind to have the wall comparatively blank for two
seasons, I would at once set about with the best of my ability to
bring about the desired effect. I was at once authorised to proceed,
which I did early the following morning, and began ray operations by
rooting out the former possessors. The soil, however, was extremely
poor ; and this evil seemed to increase as I considered I had no dung
to enrich it with. Having no alternative, and as a last resource, I re-
sorted to the piggery ; but here I was again, in my opinion, placed at a
disadvantage, as all the dung there was raw and rough — so much so,
that I found it impossible to dig it in in the usual way, but had to
open out a trench, and, as it were, bury it in one solid mass, cover-
insc it over with a few inches of soil. All that now remained was the
planting, and for this I had but sorry subjects, all of them being small,
weakly, and wiry, none having grown more than 4 or 6 inches, and many
of them being only bare roots. I might also mention that previously
they were growing among a real confusion of other things — all growing
wildly among each other — and consequently were somewhat injured in

1869.] BEE-FARMING IN 1869. 517

lifting, none having tlie smallest particle of soil in the way of a ball.
In planting, I merely covered tliem with 2 or 3 inches of soil, and gave a
good thorough soaking of water about their roots, finishing in the soil
about them and leaving them to their fate. The weather being very dry
(as every gardener this year knows to his cost), I gave them another soak-
ing about a fortnight after, and never gave them another drop. It
being a south-easterly aspect, the direct rays of the sun did not reach
them after mid-day, but I find all aspects almost alike dry this year.
In a few weeks they gave symptoms of having penetrated into the dung,
and of liking it. The result is, that to-day (September 10th) more
than two-thirds of them are over 6 feet high, many of them are over 8
feet high, and some are even 9 feet 6 inches high, and still growing
vigorously and flowering most profusely. They have, however, been
a good while later in flowering than the others, but this can easily be
accounted for, seeing they were so late in being operated upon.

J. F.

BEE -FARMING I]Sr 1869.

In many counties of England the honey harvest has been satisfactory
this year. The yield has been greater than for some years previous.
Last year, bees were remarkably loath to swarm — comparatively few
swarms were obtained ; whereas this year they swarmed freely, often
before the hives were well filled. Last year they clustered about their
doors for weeks and months without swarming ; this year they sent off
colonies without clustering or hesitation. No explanation can be
given of these things ; their reasons or causes are deeper than the
ken of mortals.

Some of your readers will remember that my balance-sheet last
autumn left me a profit of 24s. per hive or thereabouts, and in posses-
sion of twenty-eight stock hives. These we valued at 23s. each, or 7s.
less than the tip-top price. The winter being mild, they kept their
bees well ; that is to say, they were in good condition in February of
the present year. As my garden is too near the big city of Manchester
for bees to gather much honey, I took twenty hives to cottage and
market gardens three or four miles in the country. Of course I pay
rent, and I am glad to do so, for there my bees have richer pasture ;
but the expense in taking them to and from these farms is consider-
able. My expenses will overtop those of most bee-keepers. This year
my expenses are unusually heavy, amounting to more than 10s. per
hive. Two of the hives in the country, I found in May, had queens
which had never been mated, and were therefore useless. Thus my
number was reduced to twenty-six. Of these two never swarmed;

518 THE GARDENER. [Nov.

the rest yielded thirty- three swarms, three of which were lost for
want of hiving. After swarming, the queens of two hives were lost
on their marriage tour, thus adding to the list of my misfortunes.

Owing to the prevalence of easterly winds, the season, as a whole,
was not a favourable one for the accumulation of honey in this locality.
These easterly winds either hinder the secretion of honey in flowers or
dry it up. Still honey in moderate quantity was gathered, the roar of
contentment vras kept up, great quantities of brood were hatched, the
bees were always prepared to do more work than the weather per-
mitted. At the close of the season my best first swarms ranged in
weight from 70 lb. to 80 lb. each, the second swarms from 30 lb. to
40 lb., and the stocks or parent hives from 50 lb. to 70 lb. each.
These weights indicate considerable stores of honey and large profits.
But when we commenced to take the honey — to supply an order for
500 lb. — we found much of it discoloured ; and the discoloured honey
was so mixed with the good and pure, that we could not take the one
from the other without great loss. We did not hesitate about declin-
ing to suppy the gentleman who ordered 500 lb., for we felt sure the
honey would not please either him or his customers, but the difficulty
was what to do with the heaviest hives. We resolved to offer them
for sale at a price less than the value of honey in them. Hence we
sold some, and kept far more for another year than we had intended
to keep. There are forty-two hives kept as stock for another year.
Many of them are large and good, with ample stores of honey ; but
owing to the misfortune of having to sell some of the bees with their
honey, they have not received swarms and half swarms in the usual
way practised here. Still I value them at 23s. each. If I had had an
extra swarm to put into each, they w^ould have been worth 30s. each,
and second to none.

How did the honey become discoloured? The Sycamore, Lime,
and Oak trees in this neighbourhood were covered with a glittering
substance (produced by insects), which ignorant people call honey-
dew. When flowers are scarce, bees work on these shining leaves, and
in this way honey becomes damaged. Two years ago much English
honey was dark and unsalable.

■ Expenses.
New hives, boards, and honey-
glasses, . . . £4 0 0
Feeding, . . . . 14 0
Kent, . . . . 4 0 0
Carriage, . . . . 4 0 0

£13 4 0

Income.

Hives sold, . . . £12 8 0

Honey and honeycomb, . 15 0 0

Increase of stock, . . 16 10 0

Total, . . £43 18 0
Deduct expenses, . 13 4 0

Profit, . . £30 14 0

1869.] GARDENERS' EXAMINATIONS. 519

When writing the above a note came from my friends at Carluke,

in Lanarkshire, where bee-keeping is a source of great profit. The

writer says : —

Carluke, October 5, 1869.

My dear old Friend, — I beg to be excused for not replying to your note
sooner, but I waited till I got my bees home from the moors and the honey taken
from them. I jarred it all up yesterday, and find that out of ten hives we have
taken upwards of 400 lb. The heaviest hive we had weighed 1204 l'^-* two or
three of them about 90 lb., the rest from 60 lb. to 70 lb. We had three boxes
of honeycomb also, which realised 27s. The above is the produce of six stales or
stock hives. So you see the bees have done well with us this season. One hive,
80 lb. weight, was sold for £2, 5s. — Yours truly, — R.R.

These figures indicate .£22 income from six hives ; the expenses are
not stated. A. Pettigrew.

Brighton Grove, Manchester.

GARDEISTERS' EXAMIN"ATIONS.

Examinations for gardeners have been held for some years by the
Royal Horticultural Society of London, who hold two examinations
annually, and also by the Society of Arts, who hold but one ex-
amination each year.

Any information respecting these examinations may be obtained by
addressing a letter to "J. Richards, Esq., Assistant Secretary, Eoyal
Horticultural Society, South Kensington, W.," and to the " Secretary
of the Society of Arts, John Street, Adelphi, London."

As to the examinations for certificates, they are conducted by
means of printed questions, which the assembled candidates are re-
quired to answer in writing, — pens, paper, &c. being provided for the
purpose. Three hours are allowed to answer each paper, which con-
sists of from twelve to sixteen questions, of which the following, taken
indiscriminately from the current year's papers, will suffice as ex-
amples : —

FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CULTURE.

" Describe the treatment required to form a Pyramidal Pear-tree
from the graft till it is four years old."

" How would you distinguish a Green-Gage Plum tree from a Blue
Imperatrice by the young wood ? "

"Write a short treatise on the cultivation of the Cauliflower."

FLORICULTURE.

" Describe the process of Budding, and name the kinds of plants
which are most readily propagated thereby."

2 M

520 THE GARDENER [Nov.

" Describe in detail the treatment of Mignonette in pots for early
spring flowering."

" Give some account of the theory of ventilating houses for stove
plants, and explain the best practical appliances for securing proper
ventilation."

The preceding half-dozen questions will give intending candidates
some idea of what is required of them. Above all, let the candidate
acquire as much facility in writing and composition as possible. There
is not much time to think when you are at the examination-tables,
and this is where many candidates fail. They possess a good practi-
cal knowledge of horticulture, but lack the ability of lucid expression.
Candidates must remember that the examiner has nothing to guide
him in his awards but the answers, and the more clear and concise
these are written, the greater is the chance of success. Only two
things are requisite in order to pass the most severe examination —
viz., a thorough knowledge of the subject, and a clear style of expres-
sing your ideas.

Examinations are good, inasmuch as they are emulating; but at
the same time it is impossible to prevent a large amount of " cram-
ming" or "grinding" being practised by the candidates. For ex-
ample, it is well known that the distinctive characters of fruits form
a leading feature in one paper. Let us take Peaches or Nectarines
by way of illustration. The old candidate knows very well that it is
sheer waste of time to learn their characters by actual observation
and careful comparison when he can take the ' Fruit Manual ' and
learn them off by heart, flowers and glands, clingstones and freestones,
in a few hours, so as to face the most severe examiner. The other
fruits are " worked up " on the same system. Many a really good
practical head-gardener would fail to obtain a first-class certificate at
these competitions, while his right-hand neighbour, perhaps a beard-
less boy, with any quantity of cut-and-dried information from books,
obtains a first-class certificate with ease.

If a candidate gains a certificate of the highest class, it does not
follow as a rule that he is a first-class gardener ; this is a fact that one
cannot deny, for the simple reason that it is a fact. I look upon a
certificate as a bubble ; it looks well, but the moment you grasp it, you
find that after all it is useless. If you have added to your store of
knowledge by studying in order to obtain it, what you have learned
in that way is the true grain ; the rest is chaflf.

By way of a check upon those who carry out the above-mentioned
system of grinding, could we not have " practical examinations " con-
ducted under the surveillance of a committee of " practical gardeners,"
whose names should be appended to the candidate's certificate ? The

1869.] CONCERNING SOME GOOD POTATOES. 521

candidates might be set to dig a small plot of ground, to prune a fruit-
tree, or plant a few feet of box edging, &c. A practical gardener would
see in a moment who were, and who were not, acquainted with practice
as well as theory. Suppose three hours be allowed for practical opera-
tions, and three hours for theory (as in the present examinations), for
each subject, the examinations would occupy more time, and cause a
little extra trouble, but would not the result be better, and a certifi-
cate more valuable than one obtained under the present system?
Gardeners as a rule laugh at the certificate already obtained by aspir-
ing candidates. Would, or rather could, they do so if the certificates
had such names as D. T. Fish, D. & W. Thomson, W. Earley, E. Sage,
J. Wills, or Barnes (Bicton), appended to them, and accompanied by a
statement that they were awarded for practical skill as well as theore-
tical talent ? W^ho would have presumption sufficient to gainsay the
combined opinions of such a committee as that above named, or one
equal to it 1 That these competitions are not at present popular,
may be inferred from the fact, that but few — very few, comparatively
speaking — care to attend them. If examinations for gardeners are to
be held, let them be held so that all concerned may reap at least some
small amount of benefit from them. If seed is sown, we expect the
produce, and that before many days, in these pushing times. By way
of conclusion, I wish it to be understood that I speak as a candidate,
and one, moreover, who has been successful in obtaining both certifi-
cates and prizes at these competitions, both as regards those held by
the Society of Arts and the Royal Horticultural Society.

Feed. W. Burbidge.

CONCERNIISrG SOME GOOD POTATOES.

At the meeting of the Fruit Committee of the Royal Horticultural
Society, held at South Kensington on the 21st September last, a
special first-class certificate was awarded to Mr Robert Fenn, the
Rectory, Woodstock, Oxon, for a collection of twelve sorts of Pota-
toes, staged by him as the best in his latest experience of Potatoes.
The samples were faultless, the tubers of good size, clean and smooth,
and I thought it would be well to obtain from Mr Fenn full descriptive
notes of these fine varieties for the guidance of Potato cultivators.
In a communication accompanying these descriptive notes, he says :
" I consider the varieties of Potatoes I exhibited at South Kensington
as being the best twelve sorts for household and market purposes, and

522 THE GARDENER. [Nov.

as being suitable for garden or field culture, and fully up to the
march of progress of the present day."

The following notes are descriptive of the sorts shown by Mr
Robert Fenn on the occasion referred to : —

" Hogg's Early Coldstream. — A good household or market variety,
A 1 for earliness in gaining firmness and flavour ; suitable for frame-
work, for garden, or for field culture if the ground is good.

^^ Dickson's Premier. — Without doubt the greatest yielding early
Potato for market and general household consumption, and as an
exhibition sort there is none to surpass it. This variety may be
substituted for the market or the servants' hall with Myatt's Early
Prolific ; but the ' coming Potato ' to. place them both, as well as
Rivers' Royal Ashleaf, liors de combat, is Yeitch's Improved Ashleaf ;
excepting the Dickson's Premier only as for the exhibition table.

" Rivers' s Royal Asldeaf. — The best of its class, to be easily and
cheaply got at present, for early market and household use, coming
in directly after Myatt's Prolific ; A 1 for flavour, albeit yellowish in
flesh ; suitable for garden or field culture.

" Early Emperor, alias Emperor Napoleon. — A good second early
round red sort for the market or the household ; A 1 for flavour,
though yellowish in its flesh ; suitable for garden or field cultivation ;
for the latter preferably, providing the soil of the garden is a rich
loam, as in this case the sort is apt to throw gross haulm, and the
Potatoes to become diseased.

" Daintree's Seedling (round). — This is an improved early Regent,
and scarcely to be distinguished from the Dalmahoy except by boiling,
when Daintree's sort will be found to be ready for the table some
eight minutes sooner than the Dalmahoy. First-rate both of them
for market, household, or the parlour table, and suitable for garden or
field culture.

" Wheelers Milky White. — A good second early Potato, excellent
for the parlour table on account of its good looks, and always appreci-
ated by ladies, though for the masculine palate I complain of it, and
I have frequently heard it complained of by gentlemen as lacking flav-
our. A good household variety, and suitable for garden cultivation.

" Paterson's Scotch Blue. — A very jDrolific, and a good white-fleshed
blue-skinned variety; a second early for market and household use;
garden or field culture, more especially for the garden.

'' Dean's Wateiioo Kidney. — A capital market, household, or parlour-
table kind, suitable for either garden or field culture ; a great yielder,
and, I presume, a seedling from Wheeler's Milky W^hite, which it
much resembles in its flesh. Mr Daintree has a new seedling resem-
bling it in every respect, excepting that this new variety — Daintree's

1869.] CONCERNING SOME GOOD POTATOES. 523

* Bakers' Dozen' — cracks its skin a little more during its progress
of aMving at maturity. I have written 'Bakers' Dozen,' because,
when Mr Daintree (Fendrayton, near St Ives, Hunts) sent the sort
for me to try, two years ago, he said ' he had a great opinion of it,
and requested me to give it a ' crisp name.' There were thirteen
tubers in the package, so I have named his variety the 'Bakers
Dozen'!

" Cuthush's Forwards. — A capital prolific market or household
Potato, and suitable for garden or field culture. It comes a httle too
pyriform in shape to please me, although the sample that Mr Cutbush
presented to me was a white blunt-nosed kidney of the handsomest
type. There can be no mistake about its capability of 'fetching
down the scales,' in the heaviest sense of the words, ' per acre.'

" AlmoncVs Yorkshire Hero. — A prolific and excellent late-keeping
Potato, suitable for either garden or field culture, and at the ' top
stave of the ladder ' for flavour, and as being suitable for either the
market, household, or the parlour table ; albeit a little too dry in its
eating to please the extreme palates of a few. It is the best strain of
the Lapstone Kidney family, and it is of the hybrid class raised by
Mr Thomas Almond by the modern method of grafting the eye of one
tuber into the tuber of another. If this variety cannot be got, sub-
stitute for it Haigh's original Cobbler's Lapstone, which, I doubt, will
be found even more difficult to procure. The family are as prolific as
rabbits, and when chosen by natural selection, which has been much
resorted to, the younger branches are mostly of a quality sufficient to
be thought worthy of keeping, hence there are innumerable varieties of
it, but only one that I know of to excel the old original, and that is
the Yorkshire Hero.

" Gryffe Castle Eegenf, the 'King of the class Eegents.'— This ex-
cellent variety was raised in Eenfrewshire, and sent to me by a
' Brother Bee-Keeper,' amongst other famous north-country Potatoes,
in a bar and frame Stewarton hive. I never knew my 'brother' by
name or in the flesh, but I think the world has been told often enough
how I have utilised the hive and all about the ' Praties,' but I do
think the raiser of this excellent Potato has never advertised it up to
its worth. I sent some to the Eev. W. F. Radclyffe, and both with
him and myself it ranks highest in the class Regent. Walker's
Second Early Regent and the old York Regent are the other sorts to
be preferred in lieu of it. Field cultivation only.

''New American Red is also a Regent. It is a great cropper, and a
stain of rose-colour predominates in blotches throughout its flesh when
cooked ; but it may lose this feature by about next February ; and it
is not fair, generally speaking, to cook any of the Regent class for

524 THE GARDENER. [Nov.

correct judgment till that period at any rate. This variety is a great
cropper, and suitable for field cultivation only. This Potato will
quite supersede the American Rose in our English climate and soil.

" There are two more Potatoes I could have hoped to figure in this
list had not adverse fate ordained otherwise — one, Fenn's Rushbrook
seedling, a cross between the Early Frame and the white blossom
Ashtop. Two of my Potato friends who stood by when I dug them
up this spring — a peck of handsome tubers almost to each root —
strongly advised me not to make away with the sort, but they proved
of no advance on their parents as regards flavour, so I have destroyed
every tuber, and I trust the ingenious person who helped himself to
a tuber [suus cuique mos) from the plate on which I exhibited it at
Rury St Edmunds in 1867 will not jjerpetuate the breed. Fenn's
Onwards, alas ! this year has gone backwards. I cannot make it out.
For the last five years it has been with me a good Potato in every
respect ; a great advance on its parents, the Jackson's seedling Kid-
ney and the old FJuke. I must give this chield another year's trial,
however, as it does seem hard, after seven years' selection and care, to
have to part with ' all my pretty ones ; ' not only so, but the thing
repeated several times over ! "Well, I trust to my recent crosses to
turn out something better, even though I maintain some of the same
blood, either on the male or female line, because I feel convinced I am
right in thus laying a foundation for something good and permanent
in the future.

'T remember, in a letter he wrote to me years ago, poor Donald Beaton
expressing that it was ' easier to raise Pine- Apples than Potatoes ; ' and
he once wrote the same observation publicly in the ' Cottage Gardener.'
' Only a Potato ! ' is a common expression ; but if people, instead of
considering the esculent as a mere matter of course from its very com-
monness, could at the same time be brought to consider its national
importance, and to know but a tithe of the enterprise required to raise
a new and superior variety, they would hold the escuU, and perchance
the deluris, in its improvement rather higher in the scale of estima-
tion.

" I cannot conclude without a word respecting Patterson's Victoria.
Although no favourite of mine, on account of its tendency to subtub-
erate, it is yet a good field Potato, and well suited for the market
table or the servants' hall. Like my Onwards, it will suit the north
better than our southern counties."

I feel under a deep obligation to Mr Fenn for these valuable notes,
and hope they will prove acceptable to many of the readers of the
'Gardener.' R. D.

1869.]

HORTICULTURE IN AMERICA.

525

MESSKS VEITCH & SOILS' NEW ANT> HARE PLANTS.

[Pressure on our space last month prevented our giving a list of the magnificent
collection of new and rare plants exhibited at the International Show in Edinburgh
bj Messrs Veitch & Sons. We now give it.]

FOLIAGE PLANTS.

Croton Aiicubaefolia.
,, Hookeri.
,, maximum.
,, Seemanni.
, , tricolor.
,, Veitchii.
,, undulatum,
,, Johannis.
Dracaena Chelsoni.
,, Guilfoylii.
,, Macleayii.
,, magnifica.
,, Moorei.
,, Regina.
Nepenthes Dominiana.
,, hybrida.

,, ,, maculata,

,, Hookeri.
, , Rafflesiana.
,, Sedenii.
Cephalotus follicularis.

Cocos Weddelliana.
Areca Bauerii.

Leptopteris superba.
Davallia Moorei.

,, parvula.

,, hemipetera.

,, alpina.
Adiantum concinnum latum.
Actinopteris radiata.

Cattleya Devoniensis.
Domiuii.
Exoniensis.
hybrida.

,, picta.
labiata.
maxima.
Manglesiu

Palms.

Maranta tubispatha.
Alocasia Sedenii.
,, Chelsoni.
Anthurium Scherzerianum.
Dionea muscipula.
Sarracenia purpurea.

,, flava major.

Retinospora aurea nana.

, , filicoides.

,, filifera.

Lapageria alba.
Sciadopitys verticillata.
Araucaria elegans.
Amaranthus salicifolia.
Tydea nero.
Goodyera Veitchii.
Phormium tenax variegata.

,, colensoi ,,

Marattia Cooperi.
Pandanus Veitchii.
Darlingtonia Californica.

I Areca Verschaffeltii.

I Stevensonia grandifolia.

Ferns.

Dicksonia arborea.
Trichomanes reniforme.
,, Wilksiana.

Acrostichum palmatum.
Lycopodium phlegmari.
,, taccifolium.

Orchids.

Cattleya Dowiana.
Cypripedium Harrissii.
Ancectochiius Dominii.
,, Dawsonii.

Miltonia Warscewiczii.
Vanda insignia.
Odontoglossum grande.

HOHTICULTURE IN F AMERICA.

We this month make some lengthened extracts from the * Prairie Farmer,' a well-
conducLed journal devoted to the advancement of agriculture and horticulture,
to show the interest taken by our cousins in these pursuits, as well as for their
intrinsic value.

526 THE GARDENER. [Nov.

AMERICAN POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT WILDER. — IMPORTANCE OF A NATIONAL SOCIETY.

Most happy am I to meet on this occasion so many who have come up to co-
operate with us in our eflforts for improvement. Especially would I congratulate
you on the reunion with our Southern brethren, whose absence, from whatever
cause, we have greatly deplored. Again their voices respond to our call, again
their hearts beat in unison with ours, and again their presence cheers and en-
courages us in our noble work. And here let me express the desire that our
brother pomologists throughout the length and breadth of the South will give us
the results of their experience ; and let me repeat the hope expressed in my last
address, that at no distant day our meeting may be held in the South, amidst the
peculiar fruits of that region, so favoured in soil and climate.

How salutary the influence of such associations ! who that has witnessed the
operations of this society can for a moment doubt the usefulness and importance
of these national gatherings ? The great practical truth of the present generation,
said Daniel Webster, is, that public improvements are brought about by voluntary
combinations and associations. "The principle of association," said he, "the
practice of bringing together men bent on the same general subject, uniting their
physical and intellectual efforts to that purpose, is a great improvement in our
age." So say we. If there were not an Apple, or Pear, or Grape on exhibition,
the stimulation of thought produced by the contact of mind with mind, and the
information acquired by the free interchange of experience, is far more valuable
than the same amount of knowledge derived from books. It is this centralisation
of action which has produced the wonderful progress of our age ; but in a national
society, which embraces the whole country for its domain, we have the additional
motive of patriotism to bring us to our biennial meetings, where, by the exchange
of cordial greetings and the influence of co-operative exertions, the representatives
from the distant parts of our widely-extended country become kindly affiliated,
and where, on the broad platform of common philanthropy, free from sectional
prejudices and party animosities, we become, indirectly but not the less
effectually, united in the bonds of friendship and reciprocal regard ; and where,
from the loving cause in which we are engaged, we have learned to love each
other.

The importance and usefulness of a National Pomological Society is never ques-
tioned by those who from the beginning have laboured with us in the acquisition
of valuable information. If there be any who doubt, we commend to such the
brief summary of its work for the last nineteen years, given in my last biennial
address. When we consider what has been accomplished, who can set bounds to
the progress which may be attained during the remainder of this century ? An
entire revolution in the cultivation of fruits has taken place since the establish-
ment of our society. Where trees and Vines were then purchased by the dozen
or hundred, they are now sold by the thousand. Where the stock of nurserymen
could be summed in thousands, it is now enumerated by millions of trees and
Vines. Where the Grape was scarcely grown a few years since, now thousands
of hill-sides, from the base to the summit, are clad with the verdure of the Vine,
and the vintage of the golden western slope promises ere long to rival in value the
riches of its mines. Where fruits were considered as only a luxury for the opu-
lent, they have now become not only a sanitary condiment, but a daily necessity
of the meal. The object of this society is to encourage the culture of fine fruits,
so that they may be placed within the reach of all classes, freely and abundantly,
the poor as well as the rich. The work is indeed of great magnitude. With a

1869.] HORTICULTURE IN AMERICA. 62t

country so varied in soil and climate, capable of producing almost all the fruits of
the globe, constantly opening up to us new resources and demands, we Lave occa-
sion for new, constant, and untiring energy and enterprise.

DETERIORATION OF VARIETIES.

"We have also another difficulty to encounter — namely, the deterioration of
varieties. However we may theorise in regard to this matter, it must be admitted,
from the practical point of view, that some fruits have so declined as to render it
absolutely necessary to replace them with new varieties. And what has been
true in the past will be so in the future. Witness certain kinds of Pears in our
own day ; the St Germain, Crassanne, Brown Beurre, White Doyenne, and others,
once so excellent, where are they now ? Some of these are occasionally to be
seen on the virgin soils of the West and South, yet for the great majority of
locations they will continue to be worthless. And even on these new soils, where
they now flourish in their pristine excellence, we have reason, judging of the
future from the past, to anticipate that no long time will elapse before this decline
will reach these now favoured regions. Within less than a generation the Pears
alluded to flourished throughout Western New York as well as, in their early his-
tory, on the propitious soils of France. And even among the more modern Pears
we notice — as, for instance, in the Beurre Diel and Flemish Beauty — signs of the
same decadence.

And so with the Grape. Where the Catawba and Isabella Grapes once suc-
ceeded perfectly, they seem now to be failing, and, in many sections of our coun-
try, are no more to be relied on. Even the Concord, now so popular, indicates
that in time it may follow in the same degenerate strain. AVhile we indulge in
these forebodings, we cannot but express the deep regret we feel for the loss of
such fine fruits. Other fine fruits are following in the same course. This should
not discourage us, but rather increase our enterprise for the production of new
sorts, to keep up with the deterioration which seems incident to cultivation.

The mission of our society is to learn not only what varieties succeed in certain
States and districts, but throughout the country. Already we have ascertained
that some kinds flourish throughout a wide range of territory. For instance, the
Red Astracan Apple and Bartlett Pear seem to prosper everywhere. When we
reflect on the wide expanse of territory daily becoming susceptible of cultivation,
and that our fruits must ultimately be spread over these vast fields, it becomes a
matter of great importance to increase our native fruits, some of which may be
suited to these regions, and thus replace those which may decline. We therefore
give a hearty welcome to the efi'orts of all who are labouring in this praiseworthy
cause.

We rejoice that we enroll among our members so many who are engaged in the
benevolent enterprise of producing new varieties of fruits. Especially would we
recognise the eminent services of those associates who are devoting their lives to
the study of vegetable physiology and of the insect tribes, and on whose patient
investigation we so much depend for the discovery and cure of diseases, and the
destruction of insects injurious to o\ir fruits. Nor can we too highly appreciate
the lives and services of those pioneers in pomology, by whose intelligence and
zeal most of our fine fruits have been originated or disseminated — of Van Mons
and Esperen of Belgium, of Duhamel and Poiteau of France, of Knight and Lind-
ley of England, of Cox, Prince, Dearborn, Lowell, Manning, and Downing of the
United States, and of ochers, now living, whose praise is in the mouths of all.
What millions have rejoiced in the fruitage of the Summer Bon Chretien and
Autumn Bergamot Pear, coeval in history with the Roman Empire ; the Newton

528 THE GARDENER. [Nov.

Pippin and Baldwin Apple, the Doyenne and Bartlett Pear, the Isabella, Catawba,
Concord, and Scuppernong Grape in our own time !

Who can estimate the importance and value of a new variety of fruit, which
shall be adapted to the wide range of our rapidly-extending cultivation ? He who
shall originate a new Apple, Pear, or Grape, which shall be worthy of being
handed down to posterity, should be held in remembrance as a benefactor of man-
kind, as well as a Franklin, Fulton, Morse, or Field. He who shall discover a
remedy for the Pear-blight and other diseases incident to vegetation which now
affect our trees, or an easy method for the destruction of the horde of insects so
alarmingly injurious to our fruit crops, shall have his name transmitted to future
time as second only to those who discover methods for the alleviation and cure
of diseases which affect the human system. What greater temporal comforts
can we leave to our heirs than the fruits of the orchard and garden] What
more valuable testimonials of a philanthropic life than the trees we plant for
future generations ? Trees are the best landmarks of a noble civilisation. Trees
are a rich legacy to our heirs. Trees are living monuments to our memories.
Fruits are perpetual mementoes to our praise. The man who plants a fruit-tree
is a benefactor of his race ; and when we shall have gone to our rest, when the
fragrance of vernal bloom shall no longer delight the senses, when the verdure
of leafy summer shall no longer inspire the soil, when the golden harvest of
mellow autumn shall no longer gladden the sight, the tree shall live to bless those
who shall follow us. And when, in after ages, posterity shall recline under the
shade of the trees planted by our hands, and gather from their bending branches
the luscious fruit, will not some grateful heart remember the giver, and ask,
" IFho planted that old Apple-tree ? ^^ How beautifully is this sentiment por-
trayed by our own poet By rant : —

AVhat plant we in this Apple-tree ?

Sweets for a hundred flowery springs,

To load the May wind's restless wings,

When from the orchard row he pours

Its fragrance through our open doors.
What plant we in this Apple-tree ?

Fruits that shall swell in sunny June,

And redden in the August noon,

And drop when gentle airs come by.

That fan the blue September sky ;

While children come with cries of glee.
And seek them where the fragrant grass
Betrays their bed to those who pass,

At the foot of the Ai)ple-tree.

And v^fhen the thousands who have enjoyed its fruits and shared its blessings
are buried, like its own roots, deep in the bosom of mother earth,

The children of some distant day
Thus to some aged man shall say,
" Who planted this old Apple-tree ? "

PROGRESS OF POMOLOGY.

I have on a former occasion alluded to the wonderful progress of pomology in
our day, and I deem it proper, although at the risk of repeating previous state-
ments, to erect, as it were, some landmarks by which we and those who come
after us can measure its advancement. With all the boasted civilisation of
Greece and Rome, we are far in advance of their highest standard in all that
tends to the real comforts of life and the elevation of our race. The science of
pomology forms no exception to this remark; indeed, the improvement since

t869.] horticulture IN AMERICA. 529

the time of Pliny and Columella is infinite. From the fall of the Roman Empire
to the close of the seventeenth contury, it is true, we know but little of its pro-
gress ; for this, like all other arts and sciences, was hidden by the darkness
which enveloped the ages during so large a part of these years. Pomology, like
other refined pursuits, found an asylum in the only sanctuary then known for
the arts of peace — the monastery. In these quiet retreats were cultivated and
perfected the best varieties of fruits ; and doubtless some which they have trans-
mitted to us have been produced from seed under their patient care and nurture.
Although the records of pomology during these years are but few, still we may
glean some idea of the manner in which the art was preserved, from incidental
notices, from the old trees still found growing amidst the remains of these insti-
tutions, and from the new and fine varieties whose origin is traced to them, and
whose names they often bear. Nor do we doubt that the Grape, now exciting
so much attention, received especial care, not only for the rich clusters which
crowned the dessert, but also for the "wine which maketh glad the heart of
man."

But how meagre the list of good fruits which have been handed down from
them when compared with those of later times ! If any of the Pears of Roman
origin yet remain, they are only to be found among the cooking varieties, or else
they are so dry, coarse, and inferior, as to merit a place only in the pages of the
writers of two centuries ago. Now we have collections consisting of ten to fifteen
hundred varieties, among which are many embracing in the highest degree all the
characteristics of size, beauty, flavour, and form, which constitute a perfect fruit;
and instead of fruits confined to a short period of use, the art of the cultivator
has extended the season of maturity over the greater portion of the year. Think
what Governor Endicott of Salem or Governor Stuyvesant of New York would
have said, if they had been told that their example in the first planting of a single
Pear-tree would be multiplied into thousands of orchards, and that, instead of a
few Pears for the summer season, every month in the year would be supplied
with its appropriate sort ; or what was then considered an aristocratic tree, to be
trained and nursed only in the gardens of the opulent, should be planted in or-
chards of five or more thousands of a single variety, and be enjoyed by the
Western pioneers as well as by the Eastern magistrates !

How would the soul of the generous Peregrine White, of Pilgrim memory, have
swelled with joy had he known that, in a little more than two centuries from the
time of planting his Apple-tree at Plymouth, this fruit would become almost an
article of daily food ; or that his orchard of one tree would be magnified into
orchards of twenty thousand or more trees of a single variety, as in the case of
Mr Pell's Newtown Pippin ! And although it is recorded, some years after, that
Governor Winthrop had a good store of Pippins in his garden, yet neither of
these gentlemen could have foreseen the influence of their ex^imple in New Eng-
land, to say nothing of the three counties of Western New York, then and for
more than a hundred and fifty years afterwards a wilderness, from which there
have been sent annually to market five hundred thousand barrels of Apples, in
addition to what were retained at home for consumption ; or the new orchards of
our youthful State of Nebraska, some of which contain seven thousand trees,
mostly in bearing at the age of six or eight years ; or the other millions of trees
planted, sufficient to regale the appetites of every man, woman, and child in the
United States with their fruit.

What would the Csesars, with all their luxuries, have thought of their half-
formed mongrel Peaches, so deleterious to health, when compared with the deli-
cious varieties into which they have been developed by the hand of skill, guiding

530 THE GARDENER. - [Nov.

and assisting Nature in her efforts for improvement, so that in many parts of our
country they are almost spontaneously produced ; a fine variety being secured
merely by planting the stones, without the trouble of^budding or grafting? Or
what would De la Quintiney, that skilful gardener of Louis XIV., have thought,
when comparing the products of the world-renowned Peach-gardens of Montreuil
with the immense quantities raised in our Southern, Western, and Middle States,
especially the latter ; from whence are brought to New York — not to speak of
other great markets — between one and a hundred car-loads, besides those received
by steamboats and other sources, daily ; making an aggregate of fi'om eighty to
one hundred thousand bushels of this delicious fruit — affording in number more
than two Peaches to every inhabitant of that great city !

But what shall be said of the Grape ? The only two varieties generally culti-
vated in our northern gardens twenty-five years ago were the Isabella and Cat
awba. What would Mrs Isabella Gibbs and Mr John Adlum, to whom we are so
much indebted for the introduction of these varieties, have said, if they could
have realised that within less than fifty years the cultivation of the Grape would
be extended almost over our whole Union? that, in addition to these, we should
have numerous varieties adapted to every section of our country ; that millions
of Vines would be planted on our hill-sides and the banks of our Western lakes
and rivers ; that wild and waste lands would be converted into smiling vineyards,
rivalling in luxuriance and abundant product the Vine-clad hills of Europe ; that
Vines would be sold for a few cents each, thus enabling the humblest cottager to
sit beneath its shade, enjoy a fragrance richer than the Rose, and pluck for the
wife and weans the purple clusters from his own Vine, or from the ripe berries if
he choose, " crush the sweet poison of misused wine " ? Surely, even the sanguine
Nicholas Longworth, the great American pioneer of Vine-culture — all honour to
his memory — could not have predicted that, within half a century, the manufac-
ture of this juice would exceed in a single State more than five millions of gallons
per year.

Mark the amazing increase of the small fruits. Take, for instance, the Straw-
berry. Within the memory of many of this assembly, we were dependent almost
wholly upon the wild species of the field, or the few which had been transplanted
to our gardens. It is only about thirty years since the first attempt, we believe,
was made on this continent to raise from seed a new and improved variety —
thanks to the enterprise of Mr Hovey, which gave us a fruit that has stood the
test for a whole generation of men. Compare the small, dry, seedy, red, and
white-wood Strawberries of our youth with the numerous larger luscious varie-
ties which have come to notice in our day. Not only have the latter increased
to hundreds of varieties within this time, but the quantity produced is in a still
greater ratio. What would our fathers have said at the despatch from a single
railroad station in the Western States, where fifty years ago the emigrant had
scarcely set his foot, of one thousand bushels of Strawberries daily to market, or
from another depot on the unoccupied lands of New Jersey, taken up within
fifteen years, a similar quantity sent to the New Yorkmarket daily ; or, still more
remarkable, from Norfolk, in Virginia, where seventeen years ago the cultivation
of this fruit had not commenced, and from whence during the present season
three millions of quarts have been sent to the Northern markets !

Thirty years ago we possessed only two good varieties of the Raspberry, the Red
and White Antwerp ; now we have numerous fine kinds ; and where a man
thought himself fortunate to gather a saucerful, it is raised, as by our friend
William Parry of New Jersey, by hundreds or thousands of bushels for the
market. So of the Currant and Blackberry. Of the latter not a single variety

1869.] HORTICULTURE IN AMERICA. 531

had then been introduced into our gardens or catalogues ; now we have many
new kinds, and the product is equally great.

Such is the onward march of civilisation and refinement in our own day. How
cheering and inspiring the omens of the future ! Our illustrations in some parti-
culars may seem to be too highly coloured and too hopeful, but we think time will
prove them to be substantially correct. Such is our rapid progress, that if any
apparent over-statement has been made, its correctness will be verified or even
exceeded while we yet speak.

How would our eyes have been gladdened, and our hopes have been encouraged^
if in our early exhibitions we could have had a vision of the extended displays
of the present time, where, instead of two baskets of fruit, presented at the first
exhibition of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society by Robert Manning, the
great Eastern pioneer, were afterwards brought from the same garden nearly
three hundred varieties of the Pear, not to speak of other fruits ! And how
would our confidence have been strengthened and our zeal have been excited, if
any prophetic eye could have pictured to us a view of such magnificent exhibi-
tions as those witnessed at St Louis at our last session, or could even have fore-
shadowed the cornucopial display in the grand Philadelphia temple of horticulture
on the present occasion !

And how would the founders of the Pennsylvania and Massachusetts Horti-
cultural Societies, the first, and for many years the only, societies on this continent
for the promotion of horticulture, have rejoiced in the anticipation of the multi-
plication of institutions, all of which recognise fruit culture as a prominent object.
The first agricultural society and the first horticultural society in this country
were established in this city, the former in 1785, the latter in 1827. Truly, "a
little one has become a thousand," there being now enumerated on the books of
the Department of Agriculture at Washington more than thirteen hundred
organisations, including State, county, and town societies, for promoting the cul-
ture of the soil.

The first agricultural newspaper printed in America, the 'American Farmer,'
made its appearance in 1820, less than fifty years ago. How would the enter-
prise and ambition of its valiant editor, John S. Skinner, have been excited by
the idea that within half a century some of its successors would enroll on their
subscription-lists the names of one hundred and fifty thousand persons, thereby
exciting the surprise and admiration of the Old World ! Magazines, periodicals,
and papers devoted to horticulture, furnish testimony equally gratifying ; and
where, within the knowledge of some present, there was but one horticultural
journal published in our country, there are now numerous monthlies and periodi-
cals, whose columns of editorial and other appropriate matter compare favourably
with the best European publications of the day. Nor is this all. Thousands of
secular and even religious papers have special columns on these subjects, without
which their success would be doubtful.

Some are here to-day who remember the condition of the few nurseries on our
eastern shores fifty years ago — for there were scarcely any in other States. These
were limited to a few hundred acres in all. Those in New England, from whence
emanated so much of the early interest of our country in fruit culture, were not,
in total extent, half so large as that of a single establishment in Western New
York at the present time, supposed to be the largest in the world. Nurseries of
large extent are now distributed throughout the length and breadth of our
domain, sending out annually an amount of trees and plants that would then have
been deemed fabulous ; single towns, like Eochester or Geneva, possessing three
thousand acres or more devoted to the nursery business. Nor should I omit to

532 THE GARDENER. [Nov.

mention in this connection the improved methods of cultivation, the novel pro-
cesses of propagation, the wonderful multiplication of trees, plants, and vines, and
the never-ending desire to possess everything new, from whatever source it may
come, and the universal zeal to ascertain the true value of all new productions.

The ingenious methods of gathering, preserving, and packing of fruits, and the
improved means of safe transmission to distant markets, are among the most im-
portant advances in this new era. To such perfection have these been brought,
that not only our small tender fruits come to us a hundred or a thousand miles
in good order, but the Grape and the Pear travel from the Pacific to the Atlantic
coast. While penning this address. Pears and other fruits have come to our own
hands from California in perfect condition ; and, to add to our surprise, the Pears
of that State are finding a market in Japan ! Our cheap and convenient postal
facilities for the transmission of seeds, scions, and plants, promoting the intro-
duction of new fruits into the remotest parts of the land, are such as no other nation
has ever enjoyed, yet not more than commensurate with the demands of our exten-
sive territory ; and we trust the day is not distant when we shall have equal facili-
ties for such reciprocal advantages with the whole world.

NOTES FROM THE OLD COUNTRY.

After leaving Edinburgh, we called at Dalkeith, the noble seat of the Duke of
Buccleuch. It was here that M'Intosh, author of the 'Book of the Garden'
and other works, was once gardener. The same position is now held by Mr
Thomson. We Avill say en passant, that to be able to obtain and keep such a
situation as the Duke's gardener at Dalkeith, is a great honour. We have no
similar position for men in this country. The nearest approach might be that of
superintendent of a park, large cemetery, or the like. The flower-garden attached
to Mr Thomson's dwelling would be something to talk of here, let alone that of
his employer.

The gardens noted at Dalkeith are some distance from the palace, and are part
of the fruit gardens of the same. Except for noble park-like expanse, and shrubs,
the palace has no particular dressed scenery, the flowers being, as we said before,
in and around the fruit-garden — greenhouses, fruit-houses, &c. These houses, if
we mistake not, were designed and built while M'Intosh was gardener here, and
the ' Book of the Garden ' contains plans and designs as then executed, given at the
time as the most perfect samples of glass structures for the purpose then extant.

The present manager has sent out many new Grapes of great merit, but White
Lady Downes, a very fine late-keeping variety, is yet to come out, and is considered
equal in every respect to the well-known Black, with the additional advantage of
being of needed colour. His Golden Champion Grape had bunches full 5 pounds.
In one house we noticed Vines with first-class fruit on year-old Vines. Here were
some liouses long since cleared of fruit, the Vines soon ready to be pruned
and started for next year's crop ; some were then "just right for the tooth,"
Bome with 10 pound bunches, while others were as late as it is possible to have
them. The idea is to have the late keepers hang on until the first early crop is
ready. Pine-apples are here grown in very large quantities— some 800 plants in
all : everything is in the most perfect order, and in quality the plants hard to
beat. Many houses devoted to flowers were a sight to see ; one at the time of
our visit had nothing but Calceolarias in it, had been in flower eight weeks, but
was still a bank of blossoms. Another house had mostly Geraniums, of the
Zonal class, including many double ones, and certainly for dazzling effect it was
extremely rich. Each plant was perfect in itself; none very large, while the
whole was one bank of blazing colours. Very conspicuous was a variety called Le

1869.] HORTICULTURE IN AMERICA. 533

Grand, with trusses 5 or 6 inches across. Madame Lemoine, a double flower
of the colour of Christine, was very beautiful ; while another called Perilla had a
zone or horse-shoe marking, very fine and distinct. The Duke of Edinburgh was
one of the finest of the bronze section, and showed off to advantage, having very
novel coloured foliage. Very conspicuous in this house, scattered here and there,
were specimens of a plant new to us — the Statice profusa, with pleasing light-
blue flowers. It is much thought of here, and said to be one of the best of things
to force into flower at all seasons.

It is impossible within our limits to mention a tithe of the houses or their con-
tents, BO will just run over a few things that struck us favourably in our passage
through them. Among Orchids, several charming Vandas were in flower, parti-
cularly a huge V. teres, and another of V. cerulea. Mr Thomson was using largely
a new system of growing Oi'chids on sandstone with a very happy effect. Near
by stood a fine Suava in fruit, said to be of delicious flavour. A new Maiden-Hair
Fern called Adiantum Farlcyana is a very fine thing, having the appearance of a
miniature Ghingo tree. A fine Lomaria bella, also Sibotia spectabillis ; some
very good Ericas, particularly E. retorta major, Jacksonii, Marnockii, and Florida
nicely in flower : a Savillia major, 4 feet through, an Alonea superba with
delicate white flowers ; very fine.

We had long desired to see some of the examples of the bedding-out process we
BO often read of as practised in Britain now, and had the opportunity here for the
first time. And certainly it deserves all that has been said of it. The masses of
bloom here to be met with, arranged with the precision almost of a picture, chains
formed of plants, kept as distinct to the line as a well-trimmed box edging, of all
and various heights to suit the grouping, with colours to match and harmonise
on philosophic principles, or the fancy of the designer ; every plant in its place,
neither too high nor too low ; walks between some with the nicest-looking gravel,
with other beds set in the verdant green of the lawn, certainly formed a picture
we shall not soon forget. Upwards of 70,000 plants are used to create this effect.
Many at putting out are of goodly size. There were whole carpets of blue,
formed by very fine varieties of the Lobelia studded with specimen objects of
colour, looking at a little distance like a blue lawn, with carefully-arranged groups
of flowers methodically planted within it. This was an entirely new idea to us,
yet nothing could be more striking. The compact, creeping nature of the Lobelia,
makes it a good plant for such a purpose, and now that they have various shades
of blue, white and even a dull red, quite a novel feature can be carried out by
having a groundwork of the desired colour, with groups to represent flower-beds
in any pattern wished, planted, as it were, in this floral lawn. No attempt of this
sort can be made except where planting is done on a large scale, and where the
situation is favourable to do so. But the idea there seems to be to find out new
ways to do their planting, particularly portions of it, so that some novel or striking
feature may be brought out each year.

The very great variety of plants the English gardeners make available for the
purposes of bedding is not the least remarkable feature of the subject. We doubt
whether there is a plant with any pretensions to continuous flowering, or conspicu-
ous foliage, that has not, at one time or another, been tried as a bedding-plant.
By this we do not mean here and there one turned out into the flower-border in
a haphazard kind of way, but in regular grouping, either as a single colour, a line,
or figure. As we propose to take up this bedding question a little more thoroughly
hereafter, we will for the present leave out some specimens of grouping of which
we took notice at the time.

534 THE GARDENER. [Nov. 1869,

THE VEITCH MEMORIAL.

"We understand that so spontaneous and general has been the desire that some
lasting memorial of this eminent horticulturist should be formed, that a most
influential committee has been convened to take the preliminary steps for carrying
out what seems to be the general wish of all who take any interest in that depart-
ment of natural science, in which he stood as a star of the first magnitude ; and
we have no doubt the result will be worthy of the nation, as well as of the
memory of him whom it is intended to commemoi'ate.

-— a->,^^^usNt^e- — ■

REVIEW.

A Book about Roses : how to Grow and Show them. By S. Reynolds
Hole. William Blackwood & Sons, Edinburgh and London.

This is a well-got-up volume of 277 pages, and though the greater part of the
substance of it appeared in our columns from time to time, we advise all our
readers to purchase it.

As an amateur Rose grower and exhibitor, our author has not, and never had,
an equal ; he has won more than thirty silver cups " open to all England ; " and
as a writer, his pen is as facile as his friend John Leech's pencil, consequently the
book will be read by thousands who care little about Roses, and they will be
amply repaid in the literary treat it will afford them.

We quote the Dedication ; it is in the author's own style : — •

** I dedicate my book to my wife, because

" There's a Rose looking in at the window,

In every condition of life.
In days of content and enjoyment,

In hours with bitterness rife.

" Where'er there's the smile of a woman,

As bright as a beam from above,
'Tis the Rose looking in at the window.

And filling the dwelling with love."

In reply to one who signs himself "Respect for the Under- Gardener," I may
mention that the gardener did not " board " me. Can any one in their right senses
suppose that he would do so for two or even three shillings per week, and give
me instructions at the same time? I paid two shillings per week for instructions
only ; at the time, I thought it hard — very hard ; but I have since found that I
received three times the value of the paltry premium I paid him. In fact, I am
pleased that I surmounted the difficulty, one of the first that I met on entering
the garden-doors. T. W. B.

THE

GARDENER

DECEMBER 1869.

OUR NEW ARRAITGEMENTS FOR 1870.

H E Proprietors beg to intimate to their readers that
they have made new arrangements in regard to the
editing of the ' Gardener/ which they trust will prove
acceptable to their Subscribers, extend the usefulness of
the publication, and secure a largely-increased amount of public sup-
port. Commencing with the Number for January 1870, the duties of
the Editorship will be jointly discharged by Mr William Thomson,
Dalkeith Gardens — who, since the establishment of the ' Gardener,'
has done so much to insure its marked success, and who will continue
to give the work the benefit of his great practical experience — and
Mr Richard Dean, Ealing, London.

The aim of the Proprietors in adopting these new arrangements is
to give to the 'Gardener' a broader character than has yet belonged to
it, and to make it acceptable in all parts of the United Kingdom, by
including the widest range of subjects related to Horticulture. Prac-
tically, the Proprietors seek to give to the work, which will be hence-
forth published in London, the tone and scope belonging to a national
horticultural organ.

While the general line which has been followed in the past, and
which has proved so successful under Mr Thomson's management,
will be adhered to, a larger prominence will be given to Floricul-
ture ; and, especially in the department of Florists' Flowers, every
endeavour will be made to supply the latest and fullest infor-
mation. This department will be under the immediate superinten-
dence of Mr Dean. All special information of interest will be
chronicled in its projper place ; condensed reports of the leading Exhi-

2 N

536 THE GARDENER. [Dec.

bitions, giving their salient and interesting points, will be furnished,
and other matters coming under the same category ; and under the
head of "Notes of the Month " will be given such miscellaneous intel-
ligence, likely to be interesting to amateur and professional horticul-
turists, as may not conveniently come in under other headings.

Under the head of " Garden Requisites " will be duly chronicled all
inventions and improvements of real importance to the horticulturist ;
while " Garden Economics," under which will be included Bee-keeping,
Wine manufacture, Preserves, &c., will have due prominence. No
exertion will be spared to render the 'Gardener' a complete monthly
manual for all classes interested in the subjects to which its columns
are devoted ; and the Publishers confidently anticipate that, under the
able superintendence of Messrs Thomson and Dean, it will hold its place
among the leading horticultural organs of the day.

Edinburgh, Decemler 1869.

THE CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS.

THE PLUM.

[Continued fro7n page 500.)

At the end of the first season's growth — no matter whether the tree
has been grafted or budded — the cultivator must determine what
mode of training he intends to adopt. The fan is by far the best
method, although the horizontal may, for variety's sake, be introduced
occasionally. The principal objection to horizontal training being
adopted for the Plum is, that the very best managed and the most
healthy trees will at times lose a branch or two. Sometimes they
wither and die without any apparent cause, and at other times gum
or canker will be the destroying enemy. It will thus be evident that
when a branch gives way through any of the above causes, the
vacancy cannot be so readily made up, and, as a natural consequence,
the tree becomes unsightly and irregular in its outlines and general
appearance. Further, if the horizontal method be adopted, the tree
is not nearly so easily managed, nor yet is the general effect ever so good.
It is a well-known fact to all gardeners, that to obtain a good and well-
balanced Plum-tree by any mode of training is a difficult task, as it is
very apt to produce large strong branches on the one side, and short
weak ones on the other. It is therefore much easier to work against
these inconsistencies where the fan system is adopted, as means can be
used to greater advantage to obviate this than when horizontally

1869.] CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS. 537

trained. No doubt it can be managed either way — by bending and
twisting down the strong shoots, and elevating and encouraging the
weaker, at the same time root-pruning the tree on the strong side
without touching the other. These and some other methods may be
adopted with success in either case ; but where the fan system is taken,
the shoots can for a season or two be twisted and bent, yet so well dis-
posed all over the wall that the existence of such contortions can
scarcely be detected ; whereas, by the other method, it cannot be done
without presenting a very ungainly appearance. For these reasons we
would recommend the fan as the best mode of training to be adopted
for the Plum,

This having been decided upon after the wood is ripe and the
foliage fallen, if three nice ripe young shoots are upon the young tree,
let the centre one be selected and cut down to within 3 or 4 inches of
where it started, and each of the side ones cut back to about 18 inches
or so. Care should be taken to ivy, if possible, to get the top bud
of the leader on the front of the shoot with two well-placed eyes
below it, one looking towards the right and the other towards the
left, the former to form a leader and the latter to make side branches.
Should the two side shoots prove of very unequal proportions, we
would recommend that both be removed, and the tree treated as if it
only possessed one shoot. Where one shoot only is produced from the
graft or bud, it ought to be cut back to within 9 inches of the base,
remembering to have the buds placed as already directed for the
leader. We recommend this height as the best for the Plum, so that
if the shoots or under branches of the tree are wanted about 1 foot
from the ground, they may not be taken away at right angles from
the stem. Mr Thompson, in the ' Gardener's Assistant,' says, that
where this method is adopted, " the branches will not be so liable to die
off as if they were taken at right angles, which, in training stone-fruits,
should never be the case." Two very good reasons may be given for
this — the first, that in a tree of so robust and vigorous a nature as the
Plum, if the branches are taken away directly at right angles from the
stem, those branches above which are trained oblique or perpendicularly
will be sure to rob these under ones to a very great extent, and, as a
natural consequence, if they do not die, the}'' will, at all events, make
but very slow progress. If, however, they are started 4 inches below,
and brought up to the horizontal line at an angle of 45' or so, the
results will be very different, as the juices of the tree will be introduced
into their proper channels ere they reach the horizontal line, and they
will therefore be the better able to fio;ht the battle for existence. The
second reason is, that, from the very nature of the Plum, it is to be ex-
pected that in bending down its branches to the right angle of its per-

538 THE GARDENER. [Dec.

pendicular there will be considerable damage done to the cellular tissue
of the branch — the evil of which no gardener needs to be told. Where
the young tree has been cut as we have above recommended, it will
the second year have three branches, and should be managed as already
directed for a young tree having three growths.

The following season it will probably make from seven to twelve or
fourteen shoots. "We would advise all to be kept regularly pinched
during the summer, save seven. Three of these ought to be on the
leader, and two each on the two side branches, one being at the point
of each shoot to form leaders, and the other four so placed that they
will form well-positioned side branches, those upon the under shoots
being upon the upper side thereof. The under branches ought at first
to be trained at an angle of about 45°, and gradually brought down into
their horizontal position, as we have recommended for the Pear. Where,
however, the branches may be of unequal proportions, it may best suit the
purpose to elevate the weak side to this angle, and depress the strong
to the horizontal line ; and where this does not of itself accomplish the
end, let the roots upon the strong side be cut pretty well back, which
will greatly assist the accomplishment of this object. If the tree is
pretty vigorous all over, we would recommend that this season ought
to be the first to introduce a regular course of root-pruning, which,
while tending to make the tree healthy and robust, will also be the
means of inducing early fertility. Out of about four dozen young
Plum-trees here, about four years of age, there were a considerable
number which bore a few Plums this year ; and one in particular —
Coe's Golden Drop — produced and perfected twenty-eight handsome
Plums, which, in a commercial point of view, were at least equivalent
to the price of the tree. If thus a little trouble in root-pruning can,
at the end of four years, produce such results, no one can doubt the
practical utility and economy of so doing. The operation may be per-
formed any time during autumn and winter, but the earlier it is done
the better will be the results. In the case of a tree bearing fruit, we
would not do so till November, in case of losing the crop ; but where
there is no crop, the end of August, September, or October will be the
best time to do so, and the probability is, that next year there will be
as much fruit as may counterbalance the cost of labour employed.
In root-pruning the Plum, the same things are to be remembered as
we have already mentioned when treating of the Pear and Apple — viz.,
digging right round and underneath, cutting the roots back pretty
freely, according to the size and age of the tree, and providing the
roots with some nice fresh materials, such as shall be hereafter recom-
mended. This operation may be performed regularly every two or
three years, until the tree has arrived at full size and bearing, and even

1869.] CULTIVATION OF HARDY FRUITS. 539

afterwards an occasional root-pruning will be found of much benefit.
It will be unnecessary for us to go into more detail regarding the
further pruning and training of the Plum, as in most particulars it is
the same as recommended for the Pear. It is a good thing, however, to
be always introducing a few fresh shoots, as the older branches and spurs
sometimes become a little exhausted, and are all the better for being
renewed. This is a good method to adopt, as sometimes the spurs
become so attenuated and far removed from the wall that it is neces-
sary, for appearance' sake, to have them removed — so that, where such
provision is made, no blank will be made, and their want will not be
so much felt.

Plums are very seldom used as riders, but where this is the case, they
ought to be either grafted or budded about 6 feet high, or have a
leader grown up to that height from the dwarf-worked trees, when they
may be cut over at the same height, and managed in exactly the same
manner thereafter, as we have recommended for the dwarf-trained
trees. The principal use to which these trees may be put is between
the dwarf-trained ones, to fill up the walls until such time as the per-
manent ones are large enough to nearly do so themselves. Looking
at the matter from an economical point of view, we would not recom-
mend them, as the plum being a rapid grower, the dwarf trees would
require the greater part of the wall to themselves before any great crop
could be expected from the riders, unless they were established and
bearing trees when planted.

If the horizontal mode of training is to be adopted, let the leader be
cut back as already directed to about 9 inches from the ground, leaving
three nice plump buds at the top for the leader and the two first hori-
zontal branches. At the end of the first year's growth, cut the leader
back to within about 9 inches from where it started, leaving, as before,
three nice buds to form a centre and the second course of branches.
The side shoots may be cut back to the first bud as far out
as the wood is ripe, as it will not be necessary to cut so far back in
this mode of training as in the fan, as no side shoots are required
except from the centre. The side branches ought to be elevated at an
angle of about 45^, and be gradually lowered until they arrive at the
horizontal line about 1 foot from the ground. The same course of
pruning and training may be regularly pursued year after year, until
the tree has reached the top of the wall, when it should have a regular
course of branches from top to bottom, about 9 inches apart, which we
consider to be wide enough for almost all sorts of Plums, except a few
of those possessing very large leaves, which may be benefited by having
the distances between the branches increased to about 1 foot apart.

It will be found of great advantage and benefit to the trees if the

540 THE GARDENER. [Dec.

cultivator would go regularly over tliem in summer, during the growing
season, and pinch back all the shoots save those intended for branches
to the fourth or fifth leaf. These in turn will probably produce laterals,
which may be pinched back to the first eye from which they started, and
at the winter pruning the original shoot should be cut to about 1 inch in
length. This will, in all probability, form a fruit-bearing spur ; but
should it not do so the following season, but send forth shoots again,
these may be treated as before, until such time as it shall form a fruit-
ing spur.

In the case of a tree still continuing to grow very unequally after
the means already directed have been adopted, the following plan
may be found of great benefit. We never have adopted it ourselves,
as we never needed to do so, nor yet have we seen it performed by
any other ; yet we have every confidence in its efficacy, as it has been
adopted with success by one whose word on everything connected with
fruit-tree culture can be depended upon. Mr Thompson, in the
* Gardener's Assistant,' thus says regarding it : "In addition to other
means tending to diminish excess of vigour, some of the leaves should
be clipped across the middle with sharp scissors. Every third leaf may
be safely clipped in this manner ; if that is not likely to prove effectual,
every alternate leaf may be so treated ; and in obstinate cases we have
seen every leaf on a shoot clipped half away with no injurious results,
but, on the contrary, with the most beneficial eff'ects, inasmuch as wood
of only the requisite thickness was obtained, instead of a shoot too thick
to be retained in that part of the tree, and which would consequently
have to be cut away at the winter pruning. Thus a considerable waste
of vegetation is avoided, as well as the probability of inducing disease,
for gumming frequently takes place when very strong shoots are cut
off." This appears to be a Yerj practical and at the same time simple
and safe remedy, and is well worthy of a trial by those who may have
failed to obtain an equal distribution of the sap all over their trees.
However lightly some may look upon it, yet, nevertheless, it is a thing
of the first importance, and should be carefully attended to, as, if the
sap is not dispersing itself in pretty equal proportions all over the tree,
it cannot and will not long continue to enjoy good health— nay, more,
the very life and fruitfulness of the tree are at stake, and the sooner
the matter is set to right, so much the better it will be for the future
wellbeing of the tree.

Another thing of vast importance, always to be observed in the wall
cultivation of the Plum, is never to allow shreds or string to become
so tight upon the bark as to mark or injure it in the least. If this
should occur to any extent, the probability is, that if the branch is
not broken over altogether, gumming will be the after-result. The

1869.] THE GLADIOLUS. 541

nails should also be kept some distance back from tlie branches, for if
they tome in contact with them, or should the hammer in driving
them in strike or bruise the branch in the least, gumming or canker,
or perhaps both, will be the consequence.

James M'Millan.
{To be continued.)

THE GLADIOLUS.

The Gladiolus is now fully established as one of our most prized
autumnal flowers. Its colours, many-hued and glorious, its stately
spike of bloom, and the simplicity of its culture, combine to make it a
favourite. Year by year its charms are increasing, and year by year
the admiration and love of its growers become stronger. A very
marked improvement has within a short period been made both in its
shape and the combinations of its colours. But its votaries are not
always so successful in its cultivation as they would wish to be. From
the many complaints we hear every season of the failure of the Gladi-
olus, it might be concluded that its cultivation is difficult, and the re-
sults precarious. I believe, however, that whenever there is more
than a very small percentage of failure or disease in a bed, it is the
result of carelessness in some part of the management of the bulbs or
the soil. Many growers have been misled by the hasty conclusions of
some writers in regard to the requirements of the Gladiolus, and by
following their advice have, after an immense amount of trouble
altogether unnecessary, been repaid only by the loss of their roots.
Having been successful for the last seven years in growing the Gladi-
olus with a very small percentage of loss (and under the best manage-
ment there will always be a few diseased bulbs), and also in keeping
my bulbs in as good condition as regards bulk and health as when
they were imported, I think I may conclude that my simple treatment
of them throughout the year suits their habits and constitution. I
may mention in passing, that during the last two exceptional, and to
many growers fatal, seasons, I have had large beds of Gladioli strong
and healthy, with foliage of the deepest green, and the bloom splendid.
The first care of the Gladiolus-grower ought to be, of course, the
securing of a stock of good healthy bulbs. For this end an early call
should be made at the dealers. In selecting bulbs, see that the flesh
be plump, firm, and clean, free from black spots anywhere, but parti-
cularly about the lower part where the rootlets shoot. Bulbs with
black spots will very likely be of no use the second year, and even

542 THE GARDENER. [Dec.

may tell upon the appearance of the bed before midsummer. Some
people invariably choose the largest bulbs, but it does not follow that
these are the best ; in fact, the ordinary-sized bulbs seem to double
themselves most readily. My own practice is, always to secure any
bulbs I need as early in the season as possible, knowing that they are
better in my possession than lying exposed in an open shop. This is
just one of those little bits of care which too many overlook, and con-
sequently they are left but a small choice.

Some few years ago, when the Gladiolus began to be more exten-
sively cultivated than it had been since its introduction, one could
scarcely take up a horticultural magazine without meeting with some
absurd theory about its habits and growth, and the soil requisite to
grow it in. But the fact is, that the Gladiolus will grow vigorously
in any common garden soil of fair quality, which is not too stiff or
damp. Both of these latter conditions can be remedied by a little
trouble. To keep Gladioli in proper health, I think it is essential
that the ground where they are to grow should be manured in autumn,
my experience having led me to the conclusion that no fresh manure
should come into immediate contact with the roots. Therefore, about
the beginning of November, or earlier, dig in about 5 or 6 inches of
good strong manure. This is not an extravagant quantity, because the
Gladiolus likes generous treatment, and it receives its food in the best
condition when it is thoroughly decomposed and incorporated with
the soil. As near the first of March as the weather will permit, give
the bed a deep and thorough digging, that the roots may get far down
for the feast your liberal manuring has provided for them. The bed
being prepared, strip off part of the outer skin from the bulbs, in order
to see that the flesh is sound, and to give the rootlets freedom to push,
and then plant them in rows 9 inches from each other every way. A
greater distance between the bulbs is useless, and a waste of space.
The larger bulbs should be planted 4 inches deep, and the smaller 3
inches. It has been proved more than once that a stiff frost after they
are planted will not injure them at these depths. Although all are
planted at the same time, there will be a fine succession of blooming.
A bed, say of a hundred varieties, will every day from the beginning
of August to the middle of October be showing new beauties. In
order to have an earlier bloom than can be had from those planted in
the open ground, it is a common custom to start some bulbs in pots
from January onwards, having them well advanced by the beginning of
May, when they are planted out. As regards this point, the experience
of others may be different from mine, but I have found that pot-planted
bulbs were afterwards more liable to disease, and I have almost always
lost them the following season. When the plants are about 2 or 3

1869.] ' THE GLADIOLUS. 543

inches above the ground, put a neat stake, about 5 feet high, to each,
and tie up as soon as they need support. This is another little bit of
attention which careless growers too long neglect, and the consequence
is, that the wind does more damage to the unsupported stem than can
be remedied for the season. When early and properly tied, the spike
grows up as straight as a lance. The roots of Gladioli go so deep into
the soil, that in ordinary seasons they do not require watering in our
country ; but in exceptionally dry times, or in exceptionally dry ground,
occasional watering is indispensable. A simple and effectual plan of
watering them, as I have over and again proved, is to remove with the
point of a trowel a little of the earth from half a dozen of them, near
the stem at one side, taking care not to touch the bulb. Fill the holes
successively with water several times, and then draw the earth back
again. Though it takes a considerable time — which, however, the
florist will not grudge — to go over a large bed in this manner, yet it is
the best plan I know to make the water reach the roots. As the sum-
mer advances, it is certain that rust will manifest itself in a proportion
of the plants, greater or less as the grower has been careful or careless
in his previous treatment. It is a bad symptom when the foliage gets
hard-bound about the stem, and of a dirty brown colour. A plant
thus affected may flower, but after that it should be thrown away with-
out compunction. No one understands the cause of this fell disease,
and it is the more mysterious, seeing that from the same root will come
a healthy and an unhealthy stem ; and when this is the case, at taking-
up time cut away the diseased stem right down through the old corm,
and there is a strong chance of the healthy one being no worse of its
bad company.

Of course every one who grows Gladioli knows that they do not
ripen equally ; yet, knowing this, many lift their whole stock at the
same time. This plan cannot be commended, as it is neither advisable
to let those really ready stay too long in the ground, nor to take up
the late flowering ones too soon. Early in October the earliest flowered
will very likely be ready for taking up. The practised eye knows the
exact stage of yellowness in the foliage at which it is safe to lift the
bulb. I have seen it recommended, by those who ought to have known
better, to take up the bulbs even though the foliage be pretty green.
To following this very bad advice, I have no doubt many of the failures
of the following season may be attributed. When lifted at the proper
time, the bulb remains firm and plump ; but if lifted too soon, it becomes
softish and shrinks, and it must be impaired in strength. Now, one
of the secrets of keeping the bulbs healthy for a long series of years is
to let them remain in the ground till the proper stage of ripeness is
reached, even though the weather be rough and the season well ad-

5U THE GARDENER. [Dec.

vanced. Generally speaking, the roots will not take damage though
they remain in the ground till the end of November, if they are not
ready for taking up sooner. Place them as taken up, with as much of
a ball as possible (if they have not a ball it does not much matter), in
some place under cover where there is plenty of air, and no chance of
frost reaching them ; and when thoroughly dried, take off the old root
and the stem, and store away in bags in a cool dry place till planting-
time. Any one who wants to amuse himself by growing the spawn,
may sow it in boxes or pots when he trims his roots, or let it lie till
spring. It will grow at either time, as I have proved. Few people,
however, bother themselves growing the spawn.

The points of a Gladiolus are not difficult to determine. The col-
ours should be clean and distinct, the individual flowers well opened,
and all looking one way, and the flowers at the base of the spike
should measure about 5 inches across. This, with good cultivation,
should be a common size, but it is exceeded by some of the new vari-
eties of this year, more especially by Madame Desportes, which, I
am inclined to think, has the largest flowers of any variety yet out.
There is also an older variety with very large flowers — Velleda ; and
Shakespeare and Milton stand high in this resjoect. Apart from mere
size of flower, the most desirable varieties are those that open the
greatest number of flowers at one time. We have now some excellent
specimens of this class, and their number is slowly increasing. In
this quality of completeness of spike, not one can match Meyerbeer.
Approaching it are Marquise de Pompadour, and one not much grown
with us as yet, but destined soon to become a special favourite — Ben-
oiton, a flower of a fine shade of yellow. Monsieur A. Brongniart is a
Gladiolus which is perfection in the freshness of its colour and in its
shape. Its tints are as delicate as those of an ocean-shell. Perhaps
its j)rice has kept it from being so extensively grown as its merits
deserve. Our old and cheap favourite, Brenchleyensis, is also notable
for having its flowers open nearly from top to bottom at the same
time. I do not intend, however, to give any lengthened list of what
I consider best worth growing, but may remark, in passing, that the
large number of new Gladioli sent out last autumn have proved them-
selves good, and they will keep their places for many years. Among
the new ones to be imported this year, I notice some very desirable
colours of the darker hues, which we greatly need ; and one of the col-
lection, Armide, of a light colour, is described as having flowers of " long
duration." If this is the case, Armide will be popular. In choosing
from the descriptive lists sent out by dealers, this fact may be kept in
mind, that there are fewer varieties not worth growing among the
Gladioli than will be found among any other class of florists' flowers.

1869.] THE KITCHEN-GARDEN. 545

When Gladioli are to be competed witli, the spikes must be cut and
kept in the house in bottles for at least three days before the show.
This keeps the lower blooms fresh while more of the upper ones come
out, and the spike thus becomes of more value. By keeping them
too long in-doors, however, the blooms lose their characteristic colour
and their shape.

In conclusion, I would impress upon the growers, and of course the
lovers, of Gladioli who wish to keep their stock healthy, to be careful
not to grow them two consecutive years in one place, and to take them
up at the right time as each grows ready. It is my firm belief that
one great cause of the failures complained of is their being taken up
too soon (as many of them must inevitably be if taken up in a batch),
and not being kept in a proper place during the v/inter. Damp is
fatal to them. If the practice recommended in the present paper has
proved so successful for years with me, there is no reason why it
should not do equally well with others. There is nothing in the cir-
cumstances of my locality more favourable for their grow^th than in
those of others. John Morkis.

Mains, near Dundee.

THE KITCHE]^3"-GAIlDE]Sr.

NO. VII.
{Continued from 'page 491.)

THE PARSNIP.

The Parsnip is a native of Britain, and is most frequently to be found
in its wild state growing in loamy soils by the w^aysides in England.
In its wild state the roots are generally small, forked, tough, and have
a rank taste. It has been cultivated in British gardens for a long time,
but not so extensively as in the Channel Islands and in France, where
there are soils peculiarly well adapted for its grow^th. In these places
it sometimes attains an enormous size — 3 feet in length and 4 to 5
inches in diameter.

The soil most congenial to its growth is a moderately light loam,
deeply trenched, with the soil principally near the bottom of the trenches.
In working the ground, it should be thoroughly pulverised, and all
large stones removed where they abound. When a piece of light
suitable soil is awanting, it is a good plan to make deep holes into the
soil with a large dibble, in lines 2 feet apart, and 8 inches between
the holes. Some light rich compost filled into the holes, and a few

546 THE GARDENER. [Dec.

seeds dropped into each, and in due time thinned to one plant, gives
an excellent crop of this root in soils which are otherwise not adapted
to its growth. But the most effectual way that ever I have adopted
for the successful culture of roots such as this, and Carrots, Salsafy,
&c., in clay soils, has been to burn the greater portion of the heaviest
part of the soil, mixing it when burned with the best portion of the
staple, adding at the same time a quantity of leaf-mould and light
gritty soil, such as road-scrapings, &c.

The end of February or first week of March is a good time to sow
for the production of line roots, and on rich soils the drills should
be 2 feet apart and 3 inches deep. It should, however, be borne in mind,
in the culture of this vegetable, that a soil highly gorged with manure — •
though such with plenty of room will produce immense roots — does not
produce them so finely flavoured as when the soil is less rich ; hence
the reason why it is desirable to place the manure deep in the soil,
to produce a direct downward growth in the roots than would
otherwise be the case. Medium-sized roots are invariably the finest,
from the rank taste which is peculiar to Parsnips both in their wild
state and when over-stimulated with manure.

The after-culture is very simple, consisting of thinning the crop to
about 8 inches between plants, keeping the ground free from weeds,
and well stirring occasionally between the rows. The Parsnip being
much hardier than the Carrot, and best when newly dug out of the
ground, a portion of the crop should be left in the ground when the
other portion is dug up, usually about the beginning of November.
Those lifted keep freshest when packed in moist sand, and those left
in the ground can have some loose stable litter strewn over them, so
that, should it be frost when it is necessary to lift them, it can be easily
done.

The old " Hollow Crowner " and more recently introduced " Student "
variety are the best. I find the latter the cleanest grower of the two,
and less subject to forking. This root is much more extensively culti-
vated and consumed by the cottager in England than in Scotland. It
is considered wholesome, and, when properly cooked, is palatable and
nutritious, as it contains a good deal of sugary matter; and when
slowly roasted in hot ashes, it becomes nearly as farinaceous as the
Potato. The English labourer looks upon it as one of his choicest
roots ; and boiled and eaten along with his pork or bacon in winter,
it forms a very desirable variety of vegetable.

It was strongly recommended as a substitute for the Potato, when
that king of vegetables was so critical a crop. But although the Par-
snip is undoubtedly a hardy and tolerably nutritious root, it is not
likely ever to become very extensively used, as soils best adapted to

T869.] THE KITCHEN-GARDEN. 547

its growth are likewise best for the Potato, which, so long as it re-
mains what it is, can never be superseded by any known root-crop.
The Parsnip is, however, generally cultivated in all gardens of any con-
sequence, and is in considerable demand through the winter months.

PEAS.

Of what country the common Pea is a native is not exactly known,
so far as I am aware of, nor is the exact time of its introduction into
Britain recorded by any one that I know of. More than likely it was
brought here from some of the warmer countries of Europe, into which
quarter of the globe it is supposed to have been introduced from Egypt
or Syria. Although cultivated in India and China, there is no evi-
dence to show that it is a native of these countries. In Japan it is
cultivated more plentifully, no doubt, on account of the climate being
more moderate and suitable to its nature. Judging from the extent
to which it suffers from drought and frosts in this country, there is
reason to conclude that it is not a native of either an arid or a very
cold country.

The common field Pea seems to have been introduced into this
country at a very early period, for it is recorded that an English army,
while besieging a fortress in Scotland in the twelfth century, having
exhausted their supply of food, subsisted on the Peas and Beans
which were growing in the district. The finer or garden varieties
■were not cultivated in England till a much later period, for they were
considered a great luxury in the time of Queen Elizabeth, and were
brought to the royal table from Holland. In the reign of Henry VIII.
they became so common as to be hawked in the streets of London.

The Pea has long been one of the most esteemed vegetables, and a
reference to seedsmen's lists show^s that its varieties are very numerous.
They naturally divide themselves into three sections — the earliest,
second early, and late or main crop varieties. The earliest are gener-
ally much more dwarf and slender in growth, and are more hardy than
the others. The late varieties are more robust and tall ; and though
more tender, are much finer and more prolific, so that green Peas are
best when within the reach of nearly all classes. But the rich can now
in many cases, by the aid of forcing and Orchard houses, prolong the
Pea season from May to November, there being now some very compact-
growing varieties suitable for pot culture and growth in glass-houses,
such as Orchard-houses.

The two methods by which the earliest crop of Peas are produced
outdoors are sufficiently distinct, both in their details and results, to
warrant their being both treated of. The one way is, to sow in autumn,
from the middle of October till the end of November. The other is.

548 THE GARDENER. [Dec

to sow under glass at the beginning of the year, and to transplant about
the end of February or early in March,

A sheltered dry rich border should be chosen for autumn sowing.
It should have a south exposure, and if closely sheltered from the
north by a high wall, and protection from east winds, with their wither-
ing effect upon vegetation, all the better. If the ground has been
heavily manured for a previous crop, and is naturally good, it will not
be necessary to add more manure for the Pea crop; but if otherwise, a
moderate dressing of well-decayed manure will be necessary — and, under
either circumstance, trench it 2 feet deep. The Peas are best sown as
the operation of trenching is proceeded with, so that all trampling on
the ground can be avoided. The earliest sorts seldom exceed 4 to 5
feet in height, and 4 to 5 feet is sufficient space between the rows.
Dryness and warmth of soil are always important conditions in raising
early crops. ' It is therefore not advisable to draw deep drills in the
level border for the reception of the seed, but, on the contrary, is
better to sow near the surface, and with a rake to draw a ridge over
the drills, so that the covering amounts to 3 or 4 inches of well-pulver-
ised mould.

Mice, sparrows, and slugs are the great enemies of this crop, and a
sharp look-out must be kept on all three. A good old plan is to put
a covering of chopped whin or furze over the Peas before covering with
soil. This makes it rather an uncomfortable run for mice to work in.
But probably, the more effectual way is to poison and trap with perse-
verance. To keep sparrows at a distance is not an easy matter ; a
good way is to fix a stake at each end of every row, and to fix along
near the surface of the ridge a piece of string with feathers strung on
it. If not closely watched when coming through the ground, the
crop may be completely destroyed in a very short time by sparrows
where these pests are plentiful. Hot lime night and morning in mild
weather is the best destroyer of slugs, short of hand-picking early
in the morning.

When they appear above ground, and severe weather is expected,
a little of the finest of the soil may be carefully drawn over them, or a
little leaf-mould or dry soil can be laid over them instead, especially
where the ground is of a heavy character. As soon as they are an
inch or two above ground, they are best staked at once, as the stakes
shelter them from cutting wind^ and frosts, and help to keep birds
from meddling with them, and their progress will be more rapid than
if left longer before being staked.

If sown in October, and with ordinary spring v>^eather, they are
ready for table by the end of May in most parts of England. In
Scotland they are in most localities three weeks later.

1869.] THE KITCHEN-GARDEN. 549

By the end of February, or early in March, a row of early Spinach
sown between the rows of Peas comes in early and useful. A few rows
of Kadishes may also be sown after the Peas are staked. After the
crop of Peas is gathered, there is time for getting the ground manured
and dug, and planted with a crop of Cauliflower, to come in by the end
of October and November. In England I have frequently followed the
early Peas with a crop of French Beans ; but in Scotland most places
are too cold and late to afford time for French Beans after Peas. But
Lettuces and Endive for lifting and putting into frames for winter
supply can be had after early Peas, on a w^arm exposure.

Sowing in pots and boxes, and transplanting from them to the open
ground when the Peas are 3 and 4 inches high, I consider preferable
to the plan of sowing in the open ground in autumn, and have always
found that, putting one thing against another, early sowing and trans-
planting is attended with least labour and anxiety, and yields a more
regular and better crop.

The method sometimes adopted of waiting . till far on in February,
and then sowing in stove-heat to make up for lost time, is not to be re-
commended. The way that is attended with the most substantial
results, w^here a large border of early Peas is required, is to get ready a
quantity of open rather dry soil early in January. Equal parts of loam
and leaf-mould are the best. The necessary quantity of boxes, 4 inches
deep, is filled with the soil (after passing it through a |-inch sieve)
to within ]|- inch of the top of the boxes, leaving an even
rather firm surface. Sow the Peas, after being soaked twelve hours in
water, j ust thick enough to allow each Pea to lie on the surface without
touching each other. Then cover with the same soil made a little finer,
and place the boxes in a house or pit with just a little more than
greenhouse temperature. No water is given till after the Peas are
through the soil. The young Peas come through far more regularly
when first soaked and covered with rather dry soil. If sowm in the
ordinary way and watered, the surface is caked and clotted, and the
young seedlings raise it before them instead of coming nicely and
regularly through it.

Air is freely given as soon as ever they are through the ground. I
have found that managed thus, they often do not require any water till
they were transplanted about the end of February, when they are found
hardy and strong, and being dry, they come out of the boxes without
losing a root. Of course, they should be w^ell hardened-off before
planting out.

When short of boxes, they may be sown in drain-tiles or stripes of
turf, or even in small pots. In the latter case, which is a very good
way, they are planted, without breaking the balls, about G inches, pot

550 THE GARDENER. [Dec.

from pot, in the row, and they soon spread into the stakes and lose
the patchy appearance. They probably receive less of a check in this
way than by any other, but it is more troublesome than the box
method.

In transplanting, the working of the soil goes on as directed for
sowing the seed in open borders. The little trench for receiving the
row of Peas should be 8 or 9 inches deep, so that the roots of the Peas
can be let naturally down into the soil, instead of being huddled to-
gether near the surface. In heavy soils, it is worth while to mix up as
much loam and leaf -mould, in equal proportions, as will well cover the
roots when planted. They start away more freely than when adhesive
cold soil is placed next the roots. The staking should be done im-
mediately after planting, for the reasons already assigned. Managed
thus, I have always found the early Pea crop much more satisfactory
than when sown in autumn, and they stand a deal of frost when raised
hardy. This comparatively cool system of sowing early in January,
and forwarding them to be ready for planting by the end of February,
is available in the case of all those who have a corner in a greenhouse
or pit to spare, where a very little space is sufficient to forward enough
to plant a few rows for an early crop. It will not be too thick to
plant three plants to the inch in the rows, as very thin crops of early
Peas are not satisfactory.

That there should not be any chance of a gap in the gathering of
Peas daily, a few boxes of the earliest, over and above what are re-
quired for a south-border planting, should be planted in an open quarter
to form a succession to those sown on the border, and, at the same
time, a planting of a second early variety, raised at the same time and
in the same way, to be ready for gathering between the early crop and
second early sown in the open quarters, which latter should always be
sown as soon as weather will allow after the 1st of February, after
which a sowing should be put in every ten days till the end of
June.

Although not an advocate for thick sowing, at the same time, in the
case of tall strong growing sorts, a medium between the thick-sowing
system and that of dropping the seed about 2 inches asunder is the
surest way of getting a really good row of Peas. With regard to the
distance between the rows, a safe rule is to sow those that grow 4 feet
high at 4 feet apart ; those that grow 6 feet and 7 feet, at 6 feet and
7 feet apart. Pvich strong soils, where Peas generally grow strong and
tall, may be allowed 1 foot more with advantage. These distances are
applicable where no other crop beside a row of Spinach or Lettuce is
grown between the rows. A good plan in dry situations is to sow
wider, from 9 to 12 feet, and crop in between with Cauliflower,

1869.] THE KITCHEN-GARDEN. 551

Brussel Sprouts, or other winter Greens. The partial shade afforded
by the Peas in dry seasons is beneficial for Cauliflowers especially.
A row of Peas is often sown between the Celery beds with advantage,
especially to early Celery in dry seasons.

The best crops of Peas are generally grown on a deep rather strong
loam, resting on a cool but well-drained subsoil. The finest Peas I
ever grew were on a heavy clay, a large proportion of which was
burned and mixed with the original soil. In dry summers, deep well-
trenched soil has always the advantage for the growth of Peas, and
indeed all vegetables, over that which is merely dug, no matter how
rich it is. If the ground intended for Peas has been well manured
for the previous crop, it may not be necessary to manure heavily for
the Pea crop, unless for the two or three latest sowings, which, owing
to the heat and drj'^ness of their growing season, require more stimu-
lation ; and in shallow poor land it is a good plan to form a trench
with some rotten manure in it, as is practised for single rows of Celery.
The usual succession is to follow root crops, such as Parsnips, Beet, &c.,
with Peas, and it may be regarded as a good rotation.

In very dry seasons, watering is often resorted to with the view of
preventing mildew. The best way is to give a few good soakings of
manure -water, and mulch with half -decayed manure. Frequent
watering cools the soil, and it is better to prevent evaporation by a
mulching than to w^ater more frequently.

Where Pea-sticks are not easily got, as in the case of villa gardens,
I would recommend the adoption of a plan I once saw practised by
an amateur, which is, to drive in stakes along the sides of the rows, and
fix tightly to the stakes common sheep-netting, one width of which is
sufficient for the dwarfer sorts ; and in small gardens it is questionable
practice to grow the tall varieties. These nets are an excellent sub-
stitute for stakes, are not so unsightly, and, as they last several years,
are not more expensive.

For a regular succession of Peas, it is not necessary to grow many
sorts, and the following are all good kinds in their respective classes : —

Early. — Eingleader, Sangster's No. 1, Dilliston's Early Prolific,
Emperor.

Second Early. — Advancer, Laxton's Prolific, Early Frame, Prize-
taker.

General Crop. — Veitch's Perfection, Champion of England, Harri-
son's Glory, Jey's Conqueror, Waterloo.

Late Crojp. — General Wyndham, Lynn's Marrow.

2o

552 THE GARDENER. [Dec.

PEAR SCALE.

All old gardens, and particularly the one in question, are often infested
with insects of various sorts. The Pear scale has reigned predominant
here on the wall- trees apparently for a considerable number of years.
It made one sorry to look at what once had been one of the features
of these gardens — the beautiful trained trees — going limb by limb with
a complete investiture of scale, which, like John Brown's ghost, still
kept marching on. To put a stop to their triumphant march, I had
before me a large field to experiment upon ; and knowing from pre-
vious practice what would kill both insects and trees, I endeavoured
to steer clear of that rock, at the same time I knew that a desperate
case required a desperate cure.

Before trying any of the new insecticides, I made a very strong
brewing of soft soap and salt, applied it to the trees as hot as possible,
and with much force, from the garden-engine, until it lathered against
the walls; and for some time the walls acted as a very good barometer,
prognosticating the change of weather. I believe this application of
brine killed many of the more tender insects which generally harbour
about old garden-walls, for during summer the trees were unusually
free from the leaf-maggot. As the brine fell to the ground, I have no
doubt but many of the insects were killed which secrete themselves
under the surface of the soil along the bottom of the walls ; at all
events, after a time I could plainly see that the dressing had no effect
upon the Pear scale. But not to be beat with so many insecticides in
the market, I returned to the charge, trying half a tree with one sort
and the other half with another sort ; but, good or useful as I know
those insecticides to be upon tender insects, I failed to perceive that
they had any killing effect on the Pear scale, so close do they adhere
to the branches.

Being again foiled in my object of eradicating the scale, and know-
ing the deadly effect of oils upon vegetation as a wholesale killer,
I was loath to try them ; but paraffin-oil I never had tried. Train-
oil I have used for Peaches and Vines when in a dormant state — say,
a pint of train-oil (not a Scotch pint) to 5 gallons of soft water, with
a good handful of sulphur, adding a little soft soap, stirring all well
together, makes a quick and safe dressing for ordinary purposes. The
object for using soft water is simjDly this, that train-oil will not mix with
hard water. This dressing can be applied to the trees with the syringe
or the garden-engine, keeping it well stirred during its application to
hold the sulphur in susj)ension. This dressing I have used without
any deleterious effect to the trees, further than making them feel a
little greasy, but this wore off in time with the general syringing, and

1869.] THE EDUCATION OF GAPvDENERS. 553

greatly prevents the quick travel of tlie Peach scale ; but, like the
others, it is too weak to combat the Pear scale.

On a small scale I tried, by way of experiment, on the strong
branches of an old tree which was very badly infested with scale,
both train-oil and paraffin-oil, not mixed, but separate. Both did its
work effectually in killing the scale ; and, to my great surprise, in a
few days the paraffin-oil had completely evaporated, and left the remains
of the dead scale quite loose to be blown off or washed off with the
elements, while the branches done with the train-oil remain until this
day as if polished on purpose. Finding myself safe to a certain extent
after my discovery with the paraffin-oil, I had the affected trees dressed
wholesale, and I continued dressing them in the spring until the buds
were h an inch long, without doing any injury, although I would
recommend the trees to be done properly while in a dormant state,
applying the paraffin just as it is bought with a painters' brush; and,
singular to remark, on those branches which were worst incrusted with
the scale, when set at liberty, as it were, by the dressing of paraffin-
oil, the bark less or more cracked, and pushed out breastward from
what I believe to be quite dormant branches ; and I may also state that
the fresh foliage was remarkably beautiful. J. Miller.

Worksop Manor.

THE EDUCATIOlSr OF GARDENERS.

Sir, — A vast amount of misunderstanding prevails respecting the
object which the Society of Arts has in view in getting up examina-
tions on horticulture ; and with your permission I shall endeavour to
put the matter in a clear and fair light, and thereby do simple justice
to a good cause.

The prizes and certificates which the Society of Arts offers are in-
tended to stimulate young men to think, to become acquainted with
principles, and in the end to deserve the name not of mere workmen,
but of skilled workmen v/ho have some knowledge of the laws of
nature. It is taken for granted that the capacity for doing is looked
after elsewhere, and by every employer and superior ; and it certainly
is, for no one need expect promotion in Adam's business whose hands
are not as expert in executing as his head is in comprehending. Trials
in digging and suchlike are carried on every day, Sunday excepted;
and any one south of the Tweed, and calling aloud for the spade and
rake, who disbelieves this doctrine, has only to cross over for a while
in order to find out his mistake. The practical test is constantly in
operation, and has been for centuries, but the theoretical test is a new

554 THE GARDENER. [Dec.

thing ; and the rising generation, if it is wise, need not wonder to
find those belonging to a previous generation laughing at what they
are not in sympathy with, and cannot understand. I do not wish to
cast any slight on years, be they few or many, for it is quite certain
that there are hoary-headed sages completely abreast of every new
matter belonging to their own favourite department of knowledge ;
but nothing should be accepted without a reason from any one, and
statements are worthy of approval only in so far as they express truths.
I often wonder who those are who joke about certificates ; and until
the names of a few are served uj) in print, no notice should be taken
of inferences drawn from premises perhaps without a foundation.
Doubtless there are plenty of cunning but ignorant fellows who hold
good posts, and who generally promote in proportion as the sponge is
used, or sometimes as their wives suggest, but they are not likely to
show themselves before the public. And also it is certain that stupid-
ity can adorn a shovel or a hoe, but intellectual training alone can give
any one that power for classifying details, and that nicety of discrim-
ination, which lead to a proper distribution of duties, and to the right
subordinate getting into the right place. It is but too well known that
in gardening, as in most other things, advancement is not always and
instantly in proportion to merit ; but I hope no one will be discour-
aged by this, for I have a strong faith in knowledge rightly used, and
belonging to an upright character, meeting with a suitable reward
somewhere ; for if one rank is closed, other ranks are open. It seems
to me intolerable, in a world full of real work requiring to be done, to
find people engaged in trying to destroy a thing good, if not perfect ;
and this is pretty much the case with those who attach hard names to
what the Society of Arts is endeavouring to perform ; for, in so far as
I am aware, not one of the detractors has yet suggested any improve-
ment on the method of procedure employed by that useful body. To
pull down without any capacity for building up again — to be a spoliator
and nothing more — seems to me to be one of the most thankless tasks
on the face of the earth. The being whose business lies in such a
channel is an object of pity rather than of envy. A good deal, too,
has been written about grinding^ but, as applied to gardeners, I hardly
know what either it or the term cramming means. A young man, who
works twelve hours per day, has surely time enough for reflection over
the few facts he is able to acquire in the short space he can call his
own.

And then on the subject of apprentice fees, as having a bearing on
the gardener's financial interests rather than on his education, I may
say at once that I classify myself with those who go against jDayment
in that way. I call the taking or demanding a premium, in the

1869.] NEW PLANTS OF THE PAST MONTH. 555

majority of cases, and as matters are at present arranged, very unfair ;
for surely it is not just for poor Tom Jones, whose father is a labourer
in a rural district, to have to pay ten guineas to get the garden-doors
opened to him, whilst all the Browns, who live near a large town with
plenty of market-gardens, get everything opened, and yet give nothing.
Also instruction and encouragement are often promised, and fine bright
prospects are implied, if not held out ; but, alas ! how seldom they
come ! Another thing that makes the fees unjust, and throws the
whole business beyond the pale of political economy, and into that of
monopoly, is the foul play that prevails in the market. 0, Father
Adam ! what a terrible job there would be if the appointments of your
representatives in the latter part of the nineteenth century were always
chronicled and looked into as those of Mr Gladstone are !

J. D.

K"EW PLANTS OF THE PAST MONTH.

So finely developed was a grand specimen of the glorious Yanda
coerulea, sent from Lord Londesborough's, Grimston Park, Tad-
caster, by Mr Downing, to the meeting of the Ptoyal Horticultural
Society, on October 19th, that it may w^ell occupy the leading position
in the list of new plants of the month, though in itself not strictly
new. In fact, three j)lants were sent from Grimston Park, and the
largest was a superb specimen of high cultivation, the plant-stalk
being feathered with healthy foliage to its very base ; and it had three
spikes of flowers, on which were forty-eight expanded blooms and one
unexpanded bud. Another specimen had twenty-three full-bloomed
flowers, and the third specimen eight. Mr Thomson has also just
flowered a noble specimen at Dalkeith, and in that place, so full of
interest for visitors, it was one of the most interesting features. Mr
Thomson's plant, though not so tall as the largest specimen from
Grimston Park, and scarcely so well furnished, though quite as
healthy, had two spikes of flowers — one with twenty-three expanded
flowers and four unexpanded buds, the other with twenty -one ex-
panded flowers and four unexpanded buds. It will be seen that the
Dalkeith specimen had an aggregate of fifty-two flowers. It is said
to be a plant difficult of cultivation, and does best in the corner of a
house facing the north-east, in which position it can obtain plenty of
light. In the records of his ' Himalayan Journey,' Dr Hooker de-
scribes the beauty of these plants as seen on the dry grassy hills on the
Himalayan range, some 3000 or 4000 feet above the sea-level. The

556 THE GARDENER. [Dec.

Floral Committee recommended Lord Londesborough's specimen as
worthy the award of the Lindley medal.

But to the record of new plants. In the way of Orchids, a first-
class certificate has been awarded to a variety of Odontoglossum Rossi,
named AVarneri, a larger form than 0. Rossi, having pale sepals
spotted with dark, white petals, and yellow crest. This was exhibited
by Mr Wilson, gardener to W, Marshall, Esq., Clay Hill, Enfield.
Erom Mr Lawrence, gardener to the Bishop of Winchester, Farnham
Castle, came a curious species of Gongora, from Rio ISTegro, of a rosy-
slate colour, delicately barred and spotted with chocolate. From
the Royal Horticultural Society's garden came a pan of Pleione
Wallichiana, covered with beautiful flowers, to which a special certi-
ficate was awarded. It contained thirty-four expanded flowers of
fine development. Mr Bateman stated in regard to the Pleione, and
with reference to the culture of these plants, that they liked damp
and heat during the growing season, and the reverse conditions during
the period of rest, which in their native habitats occurs during the dry
season.

A very handsome and novel form of the Lady-Fern, named
Athyrium Filix-foemina, var. Elizabethee, was exhibited by Mr
Thomas INIoore, Botanic Gardens, Chelsea, and awarded a first-class
certificate. It was curious for its dwarf growth and the singular
formation of the fronds. Mr Moore said he had brought this speci-
men to show what can be produced from the Lady-Fern by seed.

From Messrs Standish & Co. came a flowering plant of the Ascot
Yellow Perpetual Picotee, to show its excellent habit and freedom of
bloom. It is a fine variety, the flowers yellow laced with brilliant
red.

To the Fruit Committee came a few things well worthy a jDassing
notice. Mr John Richards, gardener to E. J. Coleman, Esq., Stoke
Park, Slough, brought three magnificent fruits of the smooth Cayenne
Pine, so regular and symmetrical in shape that they apj^eared to
have been cast in a mould ; they were also finely ripened. The aggre-
gate weight of the three fruits was over 24 lb. Another feature was
a very curious and interesting sport from the Citronelle Grape, sent by
W. Looke, Esq. of Melksham, Wilts. " This resembled, in its peculi-
arity of colouring, the old Aleppo or variegated Chasselas, some of the
branches being produced black, some green ; others with one-half or a
few berries green, and the rest black ; some striped, or one half of the
berry green and the other black — altogether presenting a singular ap-
pearance. The flavour of these berries did not difi'er from the Cit-
ronelle, which is a small white Chasselas, with a pleasant Sweet-
water flavour." Such was Mr A. F. Barron's report of this novel

e

1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 557

occurrence. Equally interesting was a fruit of the Avocado Pear
(Persea gratissima) exhibited by Mr J. Carr, gardener to P. L.
Hinds, Esq., Byfieet, Surrey. It is a tropical fruit from the West
Indies, and this is the first time the fruit has been ripened in this
country. The fruit was of the size of a small Melon, oval in shaj^e ;
the skin deep green, coloured a little on one side, and spotted with
dull red all over. The flesh, which is about an inch in thickness, is
of a soft pasty character, and of a pale yellow colour, covering one
large seed in a kernel, like a Plum. As a dessert fruit it is con-
sidered uneatable. It is souietimes called the Alligator Pear, or
Midshipman's Butter. The fruit is produced by a large, bold-foliaged
shrub, which grows from 20 to 30 feet in height in its native habitat.
The plant has long been in cultivation in this country, and has
flowered both at the Duke of ISTorthumberland's, Syon House, and at
Kew. A first-class certificate was awarded to a compact - growing
dwarf red Beet, marked ISTo. 2, from Messrs Veitch & Sons.

R. D.

HINTS FOE, AMATEURS.— DECEMBER.

We may expect soon to receive the usual seed-catalogues, reminding
us that we will have to consider our wants for the coming season; and
where economy is an object (and it should be in every garden), all
seeds which were left over from the past season's supply should be
examined, and a note taken of the quantities that are sound and good;
and if any doubts arise as to their quality, they can easily be proved
by sowing a small pinch in pots among a little light soil of any kind,
numbering them, watering and placing in a little heat, where they will
soon germinate, and their value can be ascertained. This practice
among nurserymen is becoming almost general, as it is to their loss to
supply seeds that are unfit for use. It is more difficult to get seeds
true to name than of good quality. We like to give a fair price
for seeds, and from experience have a wholesome dread of those sold
at almost a nominal sum. When seeds arrive, they should be kept
free from damp and drying heat. The seed-list should be made out
and sent in early, to give as little extra trouble as possible to the seeds-
man ; so much has to be done in the seed-shop during the next few
months, so many buyers requiring all their orders at the same time.
We generally give a few novelties a trial, but limit the quantities ; and
it sometimes turns out that the "new kinds" offered have been well
known to us for years, especially with Peas, Cabbage, Onions, Broccoli,
and Potatoes. However, we often meet with kinds that are quite new

558 THE GARDENER. [Dec.

to us, and of excellent quality ; and some turn up under a new name
which have almost become extinct in their true character. To do
justice to seeds, there should be every attention given to thoroughly
preparing the soil in winter, so that a fine dry open surface may be
secured at sowinsr-time.

While manuring, trenching, and otherwise preparing the ground at
this season, arrangements should be made as to what the plots
are to be occupied with, changing the crops as frequently as possible,
and either giving good or limited supplies of manure. Ground for
Leeks, all the Brassica tribe. Asparagus, and other gross-feeding plants,
may have the heaviest supplies of the rankest manure ; and for roots
— such as Carrots, Parsnips, and Beet — a deep soil moderately manured
with thoroughly rotten material is desirable, otherwise forked and coarse
produce may be expected. Celery-ground well trenched makes a good
preparation for Onions ; Strawberry ground trenched down does well
for Cabbage, Cauliflower, or anything subject to "clubbing." How-
ever, if the Strawberries have been long on the space, a good coating
of manure may have to be dug into the surface after the ridges or rough
surface is broken down. Snow should never be dug down, except on
hot gravelly ground where cooling and moisture might be an advan-
tage. In severe weather, compost might be turned over, prunings
charred, along with leaves or other rough material, to form manure to
be used soon. Pea-stakes may now be secured and made, and Onions
looked over. When wet overhead, all roots and other stores may be
examined, as some may be decaying. Wheel on manure in frosty
weather, leaving it in ridges covered over with soil till wanted ; and
as soon as all prunings, leaves, and other rubbish are cleared off, a
good dressing of manure may be given to fruit-bushes, to be dug or
forked into the surface where required, not disturbing the roots.
This is not necessary, however, for vigorous young bushes which have
been planted in well- prepared ground ; but keeping the roots near the
surface is a great object, and mulching helps this more than anything.
Rhubarb and Seakale crowns may be covered over with soil, coal-
ashes, or litter, to afford a little protection. Roots of these for forcing
msij now be lifted and placed in heat. A cellar often does well. An
outhouse, or anywhere that the temperature can be kept from 55° to
60°, will bring them on gradually; but 20° higher would bring them on
quickly, but more weakly in growth. Seakale requires to be kept close
and free from air to blanch it. A number of roots placed in pots
among light earth, leaving the crowns at the surface, and taken into
warmth and darkness, answers for small supplies. Covering with warm
manure placed over pots is still practised, and answers well. The trim-
mings of Seakale-roots should be kept for next season's planting.

1869.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 559

Rliubarb may be treated in every way the same as Seakale, but it does
well with light and air. Mitchell's Early Red and Prince Albert are
easily excited, and can be brought on very quickly. With these two for
first and second, we can with little trouble get a supply in by the end of
December, and after that time Victoria is brought in. The mushroom -
house answers well for all forcing of roots except Asparagus, which, is
easily forced in a mild dung-frame. The roots placed over the surface,
packing the crowns closely together, spreading out the roots, and covering
with a few inches of soil, will answer well. Watering with tepid water is
necessary, but not to make the soil sodden. Give air when growth ap-
pears. Blanched Asparagus is a poor dish. The tops should be green
and tender, and used when the stalks are from 4 to 6 inches long. AVhere
dung is used for forcing anything, heat-sticks should be used to know what
the temperature is. Drawing them out, and trying them with the hand,
will easily show if there is danger to vegetable life ; and if too hot, holes
should be made to let the heat escape. Mushroom-beds may be made as
required. Droppings from the stable, with some straw in them, answer
well. Slake it over, mixing the whole well together. Leave it in a heap
to heat ; but if left any length of time, burning would take place, and
render the dung useless. When making the bed, let it be thoroughly
beaten down to make it as firm as possible — 1 foot thick will answer
well. Let it heat, and if burning is likely to occur, make holes all over
the bed ; and when at a temperature of 75° to 85°, let the spawn be
placed all over about 9 inches or 1 foot apart, and 2 inches below the
surface. Pieces like walnuts, or larger, are generally used. If the
spawn is good, the Mushrooms will appear in the course of from five to
eight weeks. About a week after spawning, 2 inches of good earth may
be placed over the dung, finishing it off smoothly and firmly. W^ater-
ing is seldom necessary till the Mushrooms appear above the surface,
and then only enough should be given to moisten through the
surface-soil. 55° to 60° is the temperature generally allowed. Wal-
cheren Broccoli and Granger's Autumn will be supplying heads now.
They should be looked over frequently, and taken before frost destroys
them. If large quantities turn in, they might be lifted with balls of
earth and placed in a shed or outhouse, where they can be protected
till used. Salads under protection, such as Lettuce and Endive,
should be well looked after. Those in frames require plenty of fresh
air, clean, well-stirred surfaces, and no water, except when absolutely
necessary. Chicory lifted, trimmed, and placed in heat to blanch like
Seakale, will soon give a plentiful supply. This is considered by some
as one of the most wholesome of Salads. Keep up supplies of Cress,
Mustard, and young Onions, by frequent sowings, keeping them cool
and airy before they are used, which adds to their flavour. Peas and

5G0 THE GARDENER. [Dec.

Beans coming tliroiigh the soil should be protected. Stake them at
once, and place evergreen branches among them. When the weather
is severe, coal-ashes sprinkled over them is useful in keeping off slugs.
Celery should be protected from frost with litter, but the covering
should be taken off whenever thaw sets in, as rotting would soon take
place. Earth up (but not to bury the leaves) all late crops requiring it.
There should now be no delay in getting fruit-trees planted which
still remain to be done. Those already planted (if standards) should
be well secured to stakes, but not tying so that the bark may be injured,
but using old cloth, leather, or straw-bands under the ties. Let mulch-
ing be placed over the roots before any injury from frost is sustained.
Those on walls should not receive their permanent fastenings, as the
newly-planted roots may subside with the soil, and serious injury to
the bark by the ties might be the result. All established trees on
walls and fences may be nailed as soon as they are pruned. Let the
shoots be placed as regular and close to the wall as possible. If shreds
are used, let plenty of space be left for the branches to grow. Strings
should not be tied so that they will cut the wood, as cankering would
then show itself. We seldom use shreds, because of their unsightly
appearance, and the harbour afforded for insects. There is also great
objection to pulling out and replacing nails every season, destroying
walls and making nests for vermin. When tying is practised, the same
nails may last for years by cutting away the shoot not required,
and tying its successor in the same place to the old nails. If all
the leaves have not fallen from Peaches and Apricots, the trees should
have a new soft broom swept over them. Any lateral growths
still remaining should be cut off, as anything that would tend to keep
the wood soft and green is very objectionable both to the health of
the trees and the crop for next season. Apricots and Peaches should
have the young bearing-wood unfastened from the walls, so that
they will be free to the action of the air all round to harden them.
Many experienced cultivators keep the young shoots off the walls as
long as possible in spring, so that they are not prematurely excited to
receive a check later in the season. Much of the failure of last
season's fruit can be attributed to the warm weather in February
bringing out the blossoms, to be checked by the cold frosty weather in
April. If the shoots had been free from the walls, less injury would
have been sustained, as the flower-buds would not have been so for-
ward; however, as we never had finer crops of all kinds of fruits.
Apricots excepted, we are less qualified to speak on the failure than
others. Pears are often a failure, both in crop and quality, from
having their spurs extended far from the walls, and the whole surface
of the wall entirely covered. The spurs should proceed from the sides

1869.] PEACH CROP OF 1869. 561

of the branches, and be kept short, and when they are likely to crowd
one another they should be thinned out. A number of old trees we
treated in this way last year, and tied the old spurs back to the wall,
where they did not break off. The fruit was much finer in size, more
of it, and the quality vastly improved. A mixture of soft-soap, clay,
and tobacco-water, made like paint, may be applied with a brush to
trees which have been infested with scale ; scraping clean with a blunt
instrument before the application is put on, makes way for its de-
structive efi'ects on the vermin. Gishurst's compound and Clarke's in-
sect-destroyer are excellent for cleansing deciduous trees from insects.
Roses should now be planted in open weather, first preparing the
ground by deep trenching and manuring, using fresh loam and de-
cayed leaf -mould next the roots at plan ting- time, finishing with mulch-
ing to be dug in in spring. Reynolds Hole's excellent papers on the
Rose are still so fresh on our minds that nothing needs to be said
about them further than a "reminder." Let tender kinds be lifted,
and laid in by the roots, where they will be safe from frost. When to
be grown for exhibition, Roses should be kept away from the general
stock, and suitable kinds planted, to receive extra attention, with man-
ure, watering, &c. ; so said the late Mr Bicham of Hedenham, when
we were admiring beds of extra strong and healthy plants separated
from his immense nursery stock. Protect half-hardy shrubs, such as
Myrtles and Fuchsias, which are to remain in the ground all the
winter. Coal-ashes over the roots, and hay-band fastenings over dry
straw or fern, answer well. Bulbs under cover require timely at-
tention, so that they may be taken out before they grow and become
blanched. Keep them cool and free from frost. A few may be brought
on in a frame to flower early ; a temperature of 55° will bring them on
strongly. Roman Hyacinths are now in flower, and valuable little
flowers they are for rooms, &c. Bedding plants require very little
water now, but give it in a tepid state, and enough to reach all the
roots. Cinerarias which have plenty of roots may now be assisted
with manure-water. Give air plentifully in mild weather to them and
Primulas. M. T.

PEACH CHOP OF 1869.

Sir, — The interesting remarks on this subject by your correspondent,
Wm. Chisholm, in last month's ' Gardener,' will be interesting to all
fruit-growers, but more especially to those who have had this year to
make up their dessert without a dish of fine Peaches. Without a
doubt, there is truth in what he says, about retarding the blooming of

562 THE GARDENER. [Dec.

the Peach till there is less likelihood of a continuance of cold weather,
such as we had this spring after the trees were in bloom. And his
experiment goes far to prove the truth of what he says. The difficulty
is, how is the desired end best to be effected, at the least expense,
and with the least labour ^ Many winters may pass over our heads
ere we see see such another February, and followed by such a March.

And it would certainly be very provoking for one to put up a screen
of double, or even single, mats (on a large or small scale), and after
having secured them against wind, ttc. (no easy matter on some ex-
posures), to find that in three years out of four they would not be
required to hide " nature from nature's sun." And, worse still, it
might be found that to allow such protection to remain (except ap-
plied at a greater distance than 2 feet) would be to hasten what it
was intended to retard. If dull close sort of weather occurred instead
of the dreaded sunshine, which is just as likely, I am afraid the pro-
tection, unless removed, would do more harm than good. AVhat we
want is protection that can be removed and replaced when required
(for either bright sun or frosts) in as short time as possible. The
custom of fixing canvas or netting over Peaches, &c., permanently,
from the time they came into bloom till the end of April or middle of
May, has long been practised, and, no doubt, it is very essential in its
w^ay, especially in the north of England, in all low-lying places, and in
Scotland. But it would be of more value could they remove it when
not required ; for whatever is thick enough to throw off four or five
degrees of frost must deprive the trees, when expanding into leaf, of
light and air, so necessary to their wellbeing. On arriving here (in a
rather bleak corner of Northumberland) last February, my employer
expressed a desire that some plan should be got for the easy removal
and replacing of the canvas, which, in former years, had always been
immovable, for the time, much against his will. The desired plan was
produced, and 80 feet of a south aspect wall done as an experiment.
The result was, that one man could cover or uncover this 80 feet of
wall in the short space of four minutes, and bright suns could be
kept off as well as the late spring frosts. The few Peaches we have
here had a fair crop on them, and the crop of Apricots was all that
could be desired. But I don't mean to say that the protection saved
them ; on the contrary, I must confess that a branch extending
beyond the canvas had as good a crop as any other part of the
tree. But because of this single instance, I think it would be rash to
say the thing is useless till further trial is made. With the permission
of the Editor, I shall in another number give a short sketch of our
mode of protection, hoping that others may try the same, or something
better on the same principle. R. I., G. P.

1869.] HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 563

,jsroTEs olsr hardy herbaceous plants.

Cyclamen — ' Sotvbread.' — There is perhaps no more attractive group
in the whole range of Alpine plants than that comprised in this genus.
They are all neat and dwarf in habit ; all have foliage of pretty form ;
and the flowers, in every case beautiful, are in some exquisitely so.
They are mostly spring-blooming plants, so early, indeed, that in our
fitful climate their beauties are rarely enjoyed out of doors ; but culti-
vated in pots they are well adapted for the decoration of rooms, the
conservatory, or greenhouse ; and for choice cut flowers, the fine colours,
peculiar and beautiful form, and, in the case of some sorts, the delicate
fragrance they possess, render them charming. Their culture is simple
enough when their nature and requirements are understood and at-
tended to. With the exception of C. persicum and its hybrids and
varieties, and perhaps also C. repandum, the remaining species may be
considered hardy Alpine plants. For the most part, the species inhabit
high cold regions on the great mountains of southern Europe, and their
constitution is consequently adapted to resist the greatest cold they
will be exposed to in our climate ; but when winter is gone, and we
are looking forward with expectation for the unfolding of their
beauties, along with the lengthening days of March and April, the late
frosts and battering rains so common in these months bring disaster to
Cyclamen flowers, as they do to the flowers of many more important
things. Something may be done to protect them, with hoods or ex-
tinguishers oi frigi domo, so made as to be easily slipped over and fas-
tened upon stakes permanently fixed around the plants, in anticipation
of inclement w^eather ; but it is troublesome and unsatisfactory, inas-
much as we are often taken at unawares by the sudden changes ex-
perienced in the spring months. It is necessary, therefore, if we would
fully enjoy the beauty of the early-flowering Cyclamens, to provide
them with indoor accommodation of some sort. It is one of the re-
commendations of these plants that they do not take up much room in
winter ; many may be stored in small space. A cold frame in which
the pots may be plunged in coal-ashes is the most suitable place for
them ; but in the absence of that, they may be stored under the stage
of a cool greenhouse, or in a vinery or peach-house, in which, if not
provided with heating apparatus, the roots would require to be pro-
tected by some means in severe weather. Hand-glasses and cloches
are fit enough also for wintering a few plants, and they may even be
successfully flowered in such ; but nothing could be better for the culti-
vation of these and kindred plants all the year round than those cheap
ground vineries ; they are specially commendable to amateurs for such
purposes.

564 THE GARDENER. [Dec.

The only successful means of propagating these plants is by seeds.
Division of the root-stock has been recommended, and may be prac-
tised, but the result is bad ; solid corms, like those of Cyclamen, when
divided, never produce vigorous healthy plants. The seeds, if early
ripened, may, in the southern parts of the country, be sown at once
thinly in shallow pans, and placed on a spent hotbed, cold frame, or
on the shelf of a greenhouse near the glass, attending projoerly to
watering, and, after the plants appear, to shading from direct sunlight.
In the north, however, where the season is short and the ripening of
the seeds later, it is better to defer sowing till February or March.
About that time a mild hotbed should be in readiness to receive them,
in which the temperature should range not higher than 60°, nor lower
than 50°, but be kept pretty steadily between the two. The compost
in which to sow is of some importance, as the plants will remain in it
undisturbed for the next seven or eight months ; and as a vigorous
infancy lays the foundation for a successful maturity, a little pains at
this first stage will prevent after-disappointment. Equal parts fibrous
loam and peat, and about a fourth part of two or three year old sheep
or cow dung, with a very liberal allowance of sharp sand, form a com-
post in which Cyclamens delight. The whole must be carefully mixed,
and for the seed-pans should be passed through a |-inch sieve once or
twice, and a small portion for the purpose of covering should be sifted
finer ; but for established plants, the compost need not be sifted, but
merely rubbed, and mixed carefully with the hands. Sow, as before
said, thinly in shallow well-drained pans, cover lightly, but completely,
and place in the hot-bed. Till the plants appear the temperature of
the frame is best kept moderately close, and shading should be used
to prevent sudden drying of the surface of the soil by the sun; but
when the plants are fairly visible more air will be necessary in order
to induce vigorous growth : sudden fluctuations of temperature must,
however, be guarded against by all means till the weather becomes less
variable and the plants acquire greater strength. From first to last,
during the growing period, shade from bright direct sunshine is of the
utmost importance to the wellbeing of Cyclamens, whether seedling
or established ; and careful attention to this item, in the treatment of
seedlings especially, cannot be too strongly inculcated. Up till the end
of August everything should be done to stimulate rapid and vigorous
growth. Admit morning and afternoon sun, and, according to the
condition of the external temperature, a free allowance of air early in
the day, but shut up with a little extra warmth in the afternoon, re-
opening the lights again a little at night throughout the three summer
months ; and attend carefully to watering and cleanliness. By the last
w^eek in August, the plants under this treatment will have made con-

1869.] HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 565

siderable progress, and attention must now be directed to the maturing
of growth before finally setting them to rest. Cautiously inure them
to a fuller exposure to light and air, till the lights may be wholly dis-
pensed with ; and be more sparing in the supply of water, but never
allow the leaves to flasr. The first week in October should find them
well matured, and they may then be turned out of the seed-pans,
saving the fibres from unnecessary injury in the process, and potted
singly into pots suited to the size of the corms, bearing in mind that the
first shift should be a small one, and that the pots be well drained. When
potted, plunge to the rims of the pots in coal- ashes, and give water suffi-
cient to settle the soil about the roots, after which for the winter they
will require little attention except that of giving air when the weather
is mild, protection from severe frost, and a vigilant look-out for slugs,
which are fond of nibbling the young tender corms. About February or
March they will begin to move of their own accord, and if frame-accom-
modation may not be afforded them, they should be hardened off pre-
paratory to standing out of doors in April or May, and plunged in a bed
of coal-ashes in a well-sheltered, partially-shaded situation. One or two
shifts may be necessary throughout the summer as the plants increase
in size, but the shifts should be small. In October, if the pots are well
filled with roots, the plants may receive a final shift and be stored
away for the winter in the best manner the available means will allow,
and in the following spring they should yield a reward for all this
care and trouble in a plentiful crop of flowers.

The treatment for established plants does not consist of many details.
Encourage vigorous growth for a couple of months after flowering is
finished, remembering always that shade from mid-day sun is essential
during this process; water abundantly, and keep clean, and in the end
of September or beginning of October, before putting them away for
winter, give a shift if required, but in any case examine the drainage,
and repair it if necessary, and throughout the winter see that the roots
do not shrivel for want of water. By these means, if carefully applied,
ample success is certain. But those whose circumstances do not admit
of such expensive and troublesome details should not be discouraged
from the cultivation of Cyclamens. A few roots of flowering size of the
hardy sorts may be procured and planted in September, in light rich
soil, well drained, either on rockwork or in a warm sheltered border ; and
when spring comes round, protect the flowers from the inclement weather
by the best means at disposal. The autumn-flowering species may be
enjoyed with less trouble than those of spring, and do very well planted
in the same way, but the cream of the gems is in the spring-flowering
sorts. It has to be added that, in planting or potting, the corms of
those species, such as C. persicum, which are naturally large, should be

5GG THE GARDENER. [Dec.

inserted to such a depth as will bring their tops about level with the
surface of the soil, and those naturally small should be slightly covered
over with the soil. Nearly all the spring-flowering sorts will bear a
little forcing, and by this means a welcome succession of flower may
be kept up throughout the dreary winter months. The C. jjersicum
sorts are best for this purpose. They bear extra excitement with less
injury than most of the hardier species do.

C. Coum is a diminutive species, but also one of the earliest flower-
ing, and consequently very desirable, though not one of the handsomest.
The corms are smaller and smoother than those of the same age of
most other species. The leaves are small, round, heart-shaped at the
base, and entire on the margin. The corolla is small, bright red or
purplish red, and divided into five ovate reflexed lobes. Flowers from
February to ApriL Native of the mountains of the south of Europe
at high elevations. C. C. Album is a very pretty variety of this species,
and, flowering as it does at the same time, is an excellent companion
to it. C. C. carneum is another interesting variety, with blush-
coloured flowers.

C. vermnn has small corms. Leaves small, round, cordate at the
base, and slightly notched at the point, the upper surface zoned with
a band of pale green within the margin. The flowers are deep crim-
son, and appear in March and April. Native of the south of Europe
at high elevations.

C. repandum, sometimes called ficari^folium, is one of the best
of the smaller-growing species. The corm is smalL Leaves roundish,
cordate, obscurely lobed, and minutely toothed. Lobes of corolla
broadly ovate, bright red at the base, shading off into rose. Flowers
in April and May. Greece. Rather a tender species, and very im-
patient of wet in winter.

C. iberlcuin, a very beautiful and distinct species. Leaves roundish,
heart-shaped, sometimes toothed, often entire, and zoned irregularly
with a band of greyish green. The flowers are large, variable in
colour in shades of rose and white, but always marked at the base of
the lobes, v^hich are sharply lance-shaped, with a dark crimson or
purplish crimson blotch. Flowers in March and April. Iberia.

C. i^erslcum, though the tenderest, is one of the best. The corms
are large. Leaves large, rather variable in form, but generally broadly
ovate, with a deeply cordate base and slightly toothed margin, and
more or less zoned irregularly with pale greyish green. Flowers large,
dark red or crimson at the base of the lobes, which are white or pink-
ish white. Flowers in March and April. Cyprus. C. Coum hybridised
with the pollen of C. persicum, by Mr Atkins of Pains wick, produced
the famous cross named C. Atkinsii, which for profusion of bloom, fine

1869.] BOTTOM -HEAT. 5G7

colouring, and amplitude of beautiful leaves, surpasses all Cyclamens.
It has the neat compact habit of C. Coura, with greater luxuriance, and
the large flowers of C. persicum. It is, however, more correctly a race
than a fixed hybrid form that has resulted from this cross, and many
of the varieties are beautiful in the extreme, though not very distinct
one from another. Other varieties of C persicum are C. persicum
rubrum and C. persicum roseum, both desirable companions to the
species.

C. Enropoium. — This is a large-growing species with roundish heart-
shaped toothed leaves, often zoned on the upper surface with pale
green. The flowers vary in colour in different individuals, but in
nature the most common colour is white or rose, or both shading into
each other, but purple and various shades of red are also met with, and
in cultivation there are varieties distinguished by different combina-
tions of these colours. Flowers in August and September. Britain
and other parts of Europe.

C. liederifolium is perhaps, from the scientific point of view, not
distinct from the last species, but the form usually vended under the
name has distinctly angular leaves with a cordate base, and the
flowers are lilac shading into rose. Flowers in August and September.
South of Europe, usually in company with C. Europseum.

C. Neapolitanum is rather a variable species, and sometimes con-
founded with the two preceding. The leaves are most variable ; but
most commonly they are of the ivy shape, with a cordate base, and dis-
tinctly zoned on the upper surface. The flowers are dark red, shading
into pink or pale purplish red at the tips of the lobes of the corolla.
Native of Italy.

C. Jlftorale is a little-known species in this country. The corms
are small. The leaves are roundish and cordate at the base, and
prettily marbled on the upper surface. The flowers are bright rose ;
the lobes of the corolla short and broad. Flowers in March and April.

W. S.

BOTTOM-HEAT.

It might be reasonably supposed — as was formerly argued by Knight, I think — that
plants like the Pine or Melon, for instance, should not require a more stimulating
root-temperature than would be communicated to the soil in which they grew
from the atmosphere of the hothouse, provided the temperature of the air
was at all times properly regulated, seeing that in their native climate the heat
of the ground is entirely dependent upon the temperature of the air, or solar
radiation ; and I conceive that but for our cloudy sky we might dispense altogether
with hot-water pipes or other artificial means of supplying bottom-heat to some

2 P

568 THE GARDENER. [Dec.

kinds of plants, for the successful culture of which such appliances are considered
essential. The hot summer through which we have lately passed proved this ;
and could we have foreseen it, we might have saved ourselves the trouble of
providing hotbeds for many things.

For weeks the Pines here may be said to have grown in the open air, for the
lights were taken off the pits altogether during the day, and left half off at night ;
and with great apparent advantage to the plants, though they required a great
deal more water at the root. Such summers are, however, not to be depended
upon in a general way, and so we have to look to more reliable sources than the
fickle presence of Sol for a supply of bottom-heat. Yet though I fully appreciate
the importance of maintaining in all cases a root-temperature corresponding to
that required for the healthy development of the branches and maturation of
the fruit, T think we are sometimes apt to over-estimate its advantages, and that
its application is not unfrequently a cause of failure. In speaking of bottom-heat,
I of course use the term in its ordinarily understood sense, and refer to the auxi-
liary appliances generally in use for such purposes.

Considering the reciprocal action which exists between the roots and the
branches, it cannot be doubted that when the top and bottom temi:>eratures are
out of due proportion with each other the worst efiects must follow, as is proved
by experience. It would be proper enough to run the temperature of a vinery up
15° or 20° with sun- heat, but no one would think of doing so with fire-heat in a
dull day. Yet it is common enough to see the bottom-heat of Pines and Melons
maintained steadily at from 90° to 100° for days and weeks together, during which
the maximum top temperature may perhaps never exceed 75° or 80°. No doubt it
is sometimes difficult to regulate the temperature of the bed as nicely as could be
desired when it is composed of fermenting materials, but when pipes are used it
may be controlled easily enough, and, as a rule, it should never be allowed to
exceed the mean temperature of the house above 2° or 3°, if healthy foliage and
fuUy-swelled, heavy-weighing fruit, either of Pines or Melons, is an object.
This, at all events, is according to my short experience. Within certain limits,
size is no indication of weight in a Pine, as I have proved over and over again.
Hurried fruit always weighs light, and is of inferior flavour. The heaviest Pines, in
proportion to the number of pips we have ever cut, were from plants that had never
been subjected to higher bottom-heat than 82° or 83°, and that figure we never
attempt to go beyond with fire-heat. I saw some time ago, at a horticultural
exhibition, a Queen Pine about 24 lb. weight, which had deservedly received the
first prize, though much larger fruit Avere entered against it ; but it was one
of the most beautifully-developed fruits I ever saw, and on that account it was
awarded the prize. I afterwards found that it had been grown on a bed of
leaves, about 2 feet deep, in a pit, and that the plant had not been disturbed for
six or eight months.

I must confess to a hankering after the old-fashioned hotbed, in preference
to hot-water pipes. Though it entails more labour and inconvenience, there
is a virtue about it that the hot chamber does not possess ; and in conformity
with this predilection, and as we happen to have a good command of leaves,
we use them rather extensively. We winter our fruiting Pines in a house heated
with hot water above and below, because we can graduate the heat better ; and
we keep them there until they are about showing fruit, when they are moved
into another house where a bed of leaves has been prepared, upon which they
are just set but not plunged, the pots being filled up between with rotten leaf-
mould, the better to guard against a too-violent heat. When our present fruit-
ing plants were moved into this house in December last, the bottom-heat stood

1869.] BOTTOM -HEAT. 569

at 78° at the bottoms of the pots. When the fruit was fairly visible, the tem-
perature of the house was raised 5°, and the temperature of the bed rose gradually
to 84°. It has never exceeded this yet, and the earliest plants are now (March
12) out of bloom ; the fruit is well above the foliage, robust, and full of promise.
The heat of this bed will last for twelve months, and after the fruit is cut off the
present lot in June, the succession plants will take their place without any addi-
tional fermenting material, and be left till they complete their growth, as we
fancy the gradual subsidence of the heat of a leaf-bed more congenial to the
perfect maturation of the plants.

It is better, certainly, to have a command of bottom-heat by means of pipes
when needful. Still, though I never made the experiment purposely, I have seen
sufficient to convince me that, were the plunging beds of pine-stoves always
properly insulated, so that the plunging material would not come in contact
with the cold outer walls of the house, whereby it is robbed of its heat. Pines and
other things might be grown during summer at least without the aid of pipes or
fermenting material, as heat sufficient to maintain healthy root-action would be
communicated to the soil from the air of the house. In confirmation of what I
say, I will relate an instance that came under my notice here within the last
twelve months. One of our pine-stoves, an old house, is constructed something
on the principle I have hinted at ; i.e., the pit inside the house is separated from
the outside walls by a sunk path which runs all round it. In ^NTovember 1867
this pit was filled up with leaves, which were turned over and incorporated with
some decayed leaf-mould, the remains of a former hotbed. Cucumbers were
grown in the house during winter and spring, and after they were over the bed
was levelled down and a lot of succession Pines were plunged in it. By August
the Pines were going to rest with a reduced top-heat, and the temperature of the
bed stood at 80° ; but when the hot weather of September came it rose to 95°,
and as it was continuing to rise we had to move the Pines out to cooler quarters,
and no farther notice was taken of it at the time. Before returning the Pines
to the same house again in December, I however tested the bed, and found the
temperature to be 70°, or about 5° higher than the mean top-heat, which at the
time was about 65°, pot vines having been in the house for six weeks. When
the bed was originally made up more than a year previous, it was only about 2^
feet deep, so that fermentation could not be very active ; and no doubt the long-
sustained high temperature was due to the insulated position of the bed, for in
our ordinary lean-to pits the heat of the beds does not last for half the above
period. I have no wish to revive obsolete practices, but were I called upon to
erect a range of pine-stoves, I would have the beds enclosed within inner walls ;
and if a sufficient quantity of leaves was at command to renew the beds par-
tially once a-year, I should not fear the result or grudge the little extra labour
entailed, if in the end it would be worth speaking of.

The practice of testing the temperature of hotbeds by means of trial-sticks
should be condemned. In experienced hands the plan may be safe, but it is
better not to trust to it ; and a thermometer should be placed in every bed, and
in a position to indicate the temperature of the soil about the roots of the plants.
Unless this is attended to, disappointment will often be the result.

The Melon will stand a higher temperature at the root than the Pine, and
consequently more exposure to the sun. Under the bright sky of Persia, where
Melons are said to attain the greatest perfection, the ground must be heated to
a high degree ; and as the Melon is a shallow rooter, it must have the full benefit
of it. And so we find in forcing that 100° is not too high for its roots in sum-
mer, provided the foliage is well exposed to the light and air, and that a high top

570 THE GARDENER. [Dec.

and bottom temperature is the surest means of preventing damping off, which
disease is indeed the result of a sluggish action in the plant or impaired vital
energy. In early forcing, however, this practice must be modified considerably.
During the dark days of February and March a high bottom-heat will compel the
plants to grow ; but the pale sickly foliage which they make under such cir-
cumstances will perish before the first blink of the April sun. In early forcing,
therefore, of the Melon, it is much better during dull sunless weather, by a
lowered top and bottom temperature, to keep the plants still, and make hay
while the sun shines. Mere elongation of the tissue, the result of hard forcing
during the early part of the year, may be growth, but it is not progress, for in
the end neither time nor quality will be gained.

With regard to bottom-heat generally, it may be laid down as a maxim, based
upon experience, that all plants, from Pines to Potatoes, require a root -tem-
perature equal to the mean temperature necessary for the development of the
branches. I do not mean to say, of course, that we cannot succeed partially
unless these conditions are strictly fulfilled, but I say that the nearer this is accom-
plished, our success will be the greater. This is proved by everyday experience ;
and the question is not whether bottom-heat is necessary, as has been argued at
great length in the case of Vines, for instance, but how is it to be applied ? That
Vines will not only stand, but be immensely benefited by, a high root-temperature,
has been proved often enough — witness its efi'ects in the forcing of pot Vines.
We started some last November, at the same time as our early vinery ; the fruit
on these is now ripe, but the early house will not be ready for five weeks. The
pot Vines were plunged in a bed of leaves the most of their time ; in the other
case the roots of the Vines are in an outside border. The inference is plain.
Yet we have at various times been astonished with accounts of Grapes being
ripened by the beginning of May, though the roots of the Vines had never enjoyed
more than a winter temperature. I am afraid such feats must be put down
among the things that are not dreamt of in our philosophy, and be reserved for
some future Lindley to unravel.

My convictions regarding the importance of heated borders are unshaken, and
have been forced upon me by experience of the most conclusive description, though
I am not an advocate of some modes of heating. We have two vineries here,
which I will for convenience call No. 1 and No. 2. No. 1 is an old vinery, des-
tined to be taken down in its turn and rebuilt, and which has for the last four
years been pressed into service as an early house. The roots of the Vines are all
outside. The border is about 4 feet deep, or i-ather more, and has apparently
never been drained in any way underneath^ — for the reason, perhaps, that the sub-
soil here is dry and rocky; and in anticipation of having to renew the border
entirely before long and replant, we have never disturbed it. No. 2 is a new
vinery, but the Vines are about forty or fifty years of age, and in excellent health;
their roots are all outside also, but the border in this case, having seemingly
been made or renewed at a later period, is thoroughly drained, the bottom being
covered with about 9 inches of rubble, and intersected with good drains, 4 feet
apart. In addition to this, as the house was intended to be pushed forward for
early work while No. 1 was being rebuilt, we, between two and three years ago,
cut a wide drain along the front of the border, the lower end of which was made to
open into a pine-stove, which is on a lower level than the vinery; and all the old
cross-drains under the border wei-e let into the front drain, which was carried for-
ward into a house on a higher level, so that a current of warm air from the pine-
stove was made to pass continually along the front of the border, and by shutting
the top end of the drain at intervals it was made to circulate also among the

1869.] BOTTOM -HEAT. 571

rubble under the roots of the Vines. The plan has been in operation for two
winters; and now for the result. The great difficulty with No. 1 has always been
the getting the Vines to start easily, and with hard forcing to have the Grapes
ripe by the middle or end of May, owing, no doubt, to the deep undrained border
into which the roots have penetrated. In November 1867 the border of No. 1
was covered with about 18 inches of leaves and litter, and the house started at
the same time. The border of No. 2 was covered the same way a month later,
the air-di'ain turned on, and the house started. Forcing was conducted in both
at the same rate, but the Grapes in No. 2 were only a week behind No. 1 in being
ripe, and we were cutting from both houses at the same time to send to London.
Again, No. 1 was last autumn started at the beginning of October and No. 2 at
the beginniog of November ; the latter broke readily, and was in bloom before
No. 1, which has in consequence been held back as second house, and I fully
expect we will be able to cut from No. 2 by the end of April. I need not say that
the crop in No. 2 is always by far the best, and there is never either shanking
or red-spider. I may state that the current of warm air from the pine-stoves is
generally moist, and a mulching is left on the border all the summer.

Assuming, therefore, the necessity of bottom-heat for early vineries, the only
question to be solved is, what is the safest and most economical method of
applying it? Hot-water pipes are most convenient, and, in judicious hands, are
no doubt safe enough. I am very far from thinking that the failures which have
attended their use in the hands of a few experimentalists are to be taken as an
argument against them. Nevertheless, I believe, if all the Vine-borders in the
country were heated with pipes in the ordinary way, there would be such
destruction of Vines as was never before heard of, and a universal wail from
John o' Groats to the Land's End. People's discretion and good sense are not
always equal to their faith in some receipts, and I have strong suspicion that this
is the case with some in the matter of bottom-heat. I have in my mind's eye
a case where, after much sagacious deliberatiou, it was determined to introduce
pipes under the border of a late vinery. The house was erected, the border
made, and the Vines planted ; forcing top and bottom was commenced, and
evidently carried on at a rattling rate, in sanguine anticipation of the result,
which was soon apparent. But "the best-laid schemes of mice and men gang aft
agley : " the Vines, instead of making the expected rush to the top of the house
in rampant vigour, made a feeble attempt to get hold of the bottom wire, and
then perished. After much wonder and comment it was eventually concluded
that the soil must be bad, or the Vines had some hereditary disease; at all
events, it was clear that they were exceedingly stupid and ungrateful, and did
uot; appreciate the advantageous start in life which they had had ; and so fresh
soil was procured, and fresh Vines of a different variety, which were planted and
another start made. The plants struggled through the summer, but looked as
if another season would terminate their existence. They were, however, rescued
in time, and as the bottom-heat pipes were arranged in an unsatisfactory manner
in connection with the top-heat, they were plugged up, and their use discon-
tinued. In careless or unskilful hands there are the elements of danger about
pipes when they are placed in proximity to the roots ; if used continually, as
some seem to imagine they ought to be, they exert a dx-ying influence in the
wrong place, and arrest all capillary action from beneath. If they were sunk,
say, 18 inches in the subsoil, instead of being laid among the drainage, all danger
would probably be averted, provided the box'der was always well watered, suffi-
ciently to soak even the subsoil if it was dry. This plan would entail a little
more expense in fuel, but it would be safe and not impracticable. Fire-heat

572 THE GARDENER. [Dec.

underneath the roots of plants is unnatural, but it is safe, provided the heating
power is situated deep enough. We are told on good authority that the efifeet
of the heat on vegetation around hot springs is wonderful ; and I know of a coal-
pit which has been in a candescent state for years, and its track above ground is
marked by the earliness of vegetation. The heat is just sufficient to accelerate
the maturation of vegetables and fruit, and keep the water in the wells tepid ; and
I have beard of cottagers located upon this favoured strip, who send their early
Potatoes to the market when they are selling by the pound, and realise a
handsome profit. This, however, is bottom-heat on a scale which would hardly
pay even for Grape-growing, but it indicates the conditions to be arrived at, if
we wish to be successful in its application for that purpose. J. S. W.

TO KEEP THE FRUIT OF THE STRAWBERRY CLEAN".

It is quite impossible to keep the fruit of the Strawberry free from
sand without placing something or other underneath it. Of all the
different materials used I consider that bark is best. I have used
many. For instance, drain-pipes placed along each side the row, and the
fruit-stalk resting upon them, was a system long practised in this
neighbourhood. Slates and paling placed upon bricks, or small fir-
branches stuck in the ground, and the fruit-stalk hanging over them.
Still a great part of the crop was rendered useless. Grass-mowings
or moss answer better; but if the season be wet, it soon rots and has a
very unsightly appearance — in fact, at all times when it is dried or
bleached white : whereas bark, being nearly the colour of the soil, makes it
pleasant to the eye, and although it be spread over quite thin, will keep
the fruit clean and last the fruiting season. I have noticed after wet
days grass-mowings battered to the ground, and they took a long time in
drying. Now the bark, being loose, acted like drainage. Whenever the
rain was over it was dry, which is the saving of the fruit. It does not
encourage slugs or snails as grass-mowings do, and answers as a top-
dressing. The Strawberry appears to benefit by it. I have likewise used
straw, but nothing answers so well as bark both for look and purpose.
It is very cheap — in many places can be had for nothing, wdiere other
material except grass is often very scarce. Grass I consider the worst
for the weeds it produces, and the great enemy to Strawberries, slugs,
to which it gives shelter. Nobody cares to eat after snails ; and to see a
large Strawberry pierced through and through by them often draws
forth maledictions upon their heads from some of the fair sex, just as if
the fine Strawberry was quite unfit for a snail to eat ; but eat it he will
if he gets the chance, so we must try and give him no shelter. Should
any of the readers of the ' Gardener' get but one cartload of bark
from the tanyard and try it, I am confident it will give them satisfac-

1869.] SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 573

tion. I have a few rows of Elton Pine Strawberry twelve years old,
and they are as healthy and fruit as well as others I have at two
years old. After the crop is gathered I fork in the bark and give a
slight topdressing of dung well rotted, and there they remain until
next fruiting season. I always have succeeded in producing good
crops. Adam Renton.

SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The Sixteenth Annual General Meeting of this prosperous Society was held
at the Craigie Hall, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, on Wednesday, the 3d of
November 1869, at 1 p.m., a large gathering of the members being present ; the
chair was taken by the President of the Society, Eobert Hutchinson, Esq. of
Carlo wrie, F.E.S. E. The minutes of the last annual general meeting and com-
mittee meetings having been read, and the President having been re-elected, he
then proceeded to deliver his inaugural address, from which we take the following
extract :—

" There is also another and more practical cause in which we are called upon
to assist, and that is, in endeavouring to ascertain exactly the influence which
vegetation has, or rather the influence which ivoods exert, on the health of the
country, both directly and indirectly, through their bearing on the rainfall.
This is a most important and most interesting branch of arboricultural science,
and one which is yet completely in its infancy.

'•' The attention of scientiflc men has only lately been aroused to the fact that
trees modify very materially both the climate and the rainfall of a country ; and
ia order to ascertain the precise nature and extent of the influence they exercise,
very minute and careful observations, and a series of registrations in diff'erent
localities, under different circumstances, must be made. This is a work which
falls very particularly within our immediate province as a Society, and we must
not shirk it, but must each one carefully and conscientiously do the portion of
it which falls to his hand to do ; and by all labouring together, an immense
amount of light may be thrown on this important question, which may be useful
to the more purely scientific minds and associations ; and should we, in our
humble investigations, aid thereby in defining laws by which our country will be
benefited, both in the increased health of its inhabitants and in the improved
abundance of its harvests, the reward of the pains and trouble expended will be
a rich one. But, gentlemen, besides the good we may help, by God's blessing,
in doing to our countrymen, we shall certainly be conferring a great boon on
ourselves by cultivating a habit of intelligent observation. We cease to be like
' dumb driven cattle,' and become ' heroes in the strife,' when we lift our daily
work out of the mere routine of petty drudgery into the willing co-operation in
the great battle of knowledge against ignorance ; and every day, as we go on
striving, the field of our view will open up and enlarge, and we will find an in-
tensified interest in our lives, and in everything that surrounds us. The dignity
and importance of arboriculture as a science is at last, I am happy to say, forcing
itself upon public attention, and the work of the forester is making itself felt as
an agency of immense power for good or for evil, according as it is performed.
Unfortunately, in former years, from ignorance of climatic and hygienic laws,
which are now acknowledged, forestry was regarded as mainly a necessary work

574 THE GARDENER. [Dec.

of destruction. This is now authoritatively admitted and referred to by the
Under-Secretary of State for India — Mr Grant Duff— who, in introducing his
financial statement in the House of Commons, in the last session of Parliament,
said (referring to India Forest Conservancy) — ' No one who had not looked into
this subject, had the faintest idea how terrible were the effects, over wide regions
of the globe, of carelessness in keeping up a proper proportion of trees.

*" Let any one to whom the whole matter was new, turn to the remarkable work
of the American Minister at Florence, ]\lr Marsh, upon ' Physical Geugraphy as
Jlodified by Human Action,' and he will shudder at the dangers which we have
only just escaped. If our predecessors in India had known what we know, much
of the enormous expense which we are now being put to with regard to irrigation
would have been quite unnecessary. But the mistakes of former days are past
praying for, and we can only now rejoice that the conservation of the forest has
been recognised as a great State necessity, and that a regular forest department
has been inaugurated, which will take to India the science of France and Ger-
many.' Now, gentlemen, with regard to this speech of the Indian Secretary, I
have a remark to make. The schools of forestry in these countries are famous,
and deservedly so ; but I am proud to say that, in my humble opinion, Scotland,
without any school of forestry, is equally famous in this department. And one
of the necessary qualifications — in fact, the concluding touch to the education of
those young foresters, who are, according to Mr Grant Duff, ' to carry to the
East the science of France and Germany '- — is, that they must for a time, after being
in France and Germany, have studied under some approved Scotch forester in
Scotland — to rectify, I suppose, any erroneous ideas imbibed in France and Ger-
many previously. Yes, gentlemen, in the ranks of this Society there have been
found many scientific foresters, who have been chosen by the Government, and sent
forth to our Indian empire ; and at the present moment, if I am not mistaken, two
young men— members of the Scottish Arboricultural Society — are about to follow
those pioneers who have carried the name of our Society to the jungle and the
Himalayan peaks, and who are already showing that Scotch energy and shrewdness
are not unequal to grapple with the diffic\ilt problem of the conservancy of the
Indian forests."

EDUCATION.

To THE Editor of the 'Gardener.'

Sir, — Much has been written within the last few years on education for gardeners.
"Without saying one word against it, for it is invaluable, particularly to the
class of gardeners who represent the minority — the noblemen's gardeners — for my
part, I think that little education is wanted for the generality of gardeners. In
fact, I think education is rather a drawback than otherwise to many gardeners, for
I really think that many employers do not care about educated servants. If they
can get a man to produce plenty of fruit, vegetables, and flowers, that is all that
is required of him. In fact, the generality of places require a man to be
a thorough practical gardener, and at the same time to be a common labourer.
That is one reason why I think education is only required by one gardener in fifty.
If you will kindly allow me space in your valuable magazine, I will give your
readers a short history of a gardener, if I might be allowed to call myself one.
In the first start off I served an apprenticeship at a nobleman's place, where they
kept about twenty men in the gardens; next I went to another large place for

1869.] NOTICES. 575

improvement, where I paid to the head -gardener three shillings per week for two
years, and one shilling for another year : I never learnt anything from the gar-
dener himself. My next place was to be foreman at a baronet's place : I stayed
eighteen months there. The next move was to me quite a different scene of Ufe.
— I took a head-gardener's situation, where I had three men under me. After
staying five years, I left, because I could not or would not garden accoi'ding to the
coachman's ideas (a man without education, only he had the gift of the gab). ^ly
next situation was a single-handed place, which I took more for convenience than
anything else ; but it turned out otherwise, for six other servants besides my-
self were turned away without warning, or, worse still, without character, in con-
sequence of an event with which I had no connection. And now for the gar-
dener's difficulties. After being out of work for four weeks, I went into the
nurseries, or, what is more properly called the gardener's hospital ; wages from
3s. 6d. to 15s. per week, paying 3s. for rent. After four months I got a good re-
commendation from a previous master to another place, where I stayed three years ;
and I must say I ought to have been there yet ; but most of tis throw a good
chance away once in our lives. I have been sorry ever since I left it; although I had
the chance to go back, at the time my false pride would not allow me. My
next move was what I thought a good chance; but, alas ! what it is to think without
knowing, for it turned out one of the most miserable places that man could go to,
although it was a fine old place and belonged to a lady of rank. After three years'
service I left to get my wages. My last move was to my present place. After so
many years of experience in gardening, I have landed myself, wife, and five fine boys,
in an out-of-the-way place, where I am expected to produce all kinds of garden
produce, and make myself both a first-rate man and a common labourer for 20s.
per week. So much for education for gardeners, and paying good round sums to
head-gardeners for improvement. One in Despair.

[We give this as a sample of many letters on the same subject that have reached
us. It in no ways proves that education is not both desirable and valuable as
being one of the aids to a better position in the world. — Ed.] ,

At the meeting of the Koyal Horticultural Society, to be held on Tuesday the
21st December, the following prizes are ofi'ered — viz.. By the Rev. George Kemp,
F. R.H.S. and Member of Fruit Committee, for the best winter dessert of
Apples and Pears, 3 dishes of each, a£3 and £2.

We understand that the Council of the Eoyal Horticultural Society have resolved
on issuing a bronze medal, to be called the "Kare Plant Medal," and to be
awarded at any of the Society's meetings, for the first exhibition in this country
of plants of great botanical interest.

We are informed that Lieut. -Colonel Scott, E.E., F.L.S., Hon. Secretary Eoyal
Horticultural Society, offers for competition at the Society's first meeting in 1870
— viz., January 19 — Five Guineas (£5, 5s.), for an Essay on the "Principles of
Floral Criticism."

Sir, — In spite of frosts and chilly weather I gathered this morning a perfectly
ripe, full-sized Strawberry, which had reached maturity in the open air, and was
accompanied by blossoms and fruit in other stages towards ripeness. TLie situa-
tion of the growth is low, not sheltered, in the valley of the Lea. Presuming this
circumstance worthy of being communicated — to be chronicled as you may deem
deserving or not. — I am, your obedient Servant, John Edgar Ker.

Stanstead Abbots, Herts, \1th November ISQ^.

576 THE GARDENER. [Dec. 1869.

Accacia Platiptera is the name of the plant sent us by a correspondent, whose
initials we have forgotten ; it is a very pretty plant when well grown.

Northumbrian. — Place your Dahlia roots in a dry cellar, where frost cannot
enter, and cover them over with dry sand or ashes, and they will keep perfectly
well ; but see that they have not had a touch of frost before you store them.

St Austill. — Dr Hogg is a first-rate Strawberry, somewhat resembling the
British Queen in shape, size, and flavour ; you cannot grow a more useful variety.

A Grape-Grower. — The price you are getting for your Grapes is small, but
they have been a drug in the market this season. Cut the mouldy berries out of
the bunches as they appear ; keep a little fire on the house, and give air in fine
weather, and sell them as quick as you can, no matter how small the price, for
you will lose them all unless you do so. You would probably get more for them
in London than in Edinburgh, if they were fresh and good, but the distance they
would have to travel is against them, seeing they are not very fresh.

J. W. — If you have a single white scale in your Pine-pit, you will find that
the whole plants will soon get overrun with them, and we know of nothing that
will destroy it that will not at the same time destroy the plants. It is an insecb
to be dreaded amongst Pines. If the nurseryman you bought them from warrant-
ed them clean, and free from scale, we should consider him liable for your loss,
though he in his turn may have been deceived by some one else. We always like
to know where Pines come from before we purchase them.

S. L. — Royal George, Bellegarde, Violet Hatise, and Stirling Castle, are good
forcing Peaches. We never publicly name tradesmen : you must see it would be
invidious to do so. Any good nurseryman will procure the trees for you, if he has
not got them in his own stock.

CucuMUS. — There are several sorts of Cucumbers that force well in winter.
We prefer Telegraph to any we know.

A. M'K. — Mildew in Vines has been very common this year, but not nearly so
much so as it was some twenty years ago. Wash your rods well with soap and
tepid water after removing the loose bark, then paint them all over with a mix-
ture of sulphur, soot, tobacco-water, and a little clay to give the whole the con-
sistency of paint,

Mary. — There is a deep-blue Viola suitable for bedding purposes in the market
about London. It will probably be advertised in our pages ere long. It would
suit your purpose. You will find it referred to by our London Correspondent at
p. 514 of last month's ' Gardener ' under the name of Viola perfection.

Tan Hall, Bridge of Weir, 23(Z October.

TO THE editor OF THE GARDENER.

Sir, — I would be greatly gratified if any of your readers could give me informa-
tion, through the medium of the ' Gardener,' about Strawberry, var. Filbert
Pine ; also, whether an early or late variety. — Yours respectfully, D. M,

Having built a frame last month, and fearing the mortar would not dry quickly
at so late a season, I got the inside of it plastered over with gas-tar, and have been
since told that any flowers I put into it will die. Could you, or any subscriber,
kindly tell me if such would be their fate. The tar was put on thinly, but has a
very strong smell. A. M. A.

November 4, 1869.

[Will any correspondent give their experience of such a case ? We think the
tar will kill the plants Ed.]

INDEX.

Adenophora, culture of, 220.

Aeration of Vine-borders, on, 82.

Amateurs, Hints for, January, 30 — Feb-
ruary, 75 — March, 114 — April, 167 —
May, 212— June, 268— July, 307—
August, 359 — September, 400— Oc-
tober, 448 — November, 500 — Decem-
ber, 557.

America, horticulture in, 525.

American blight, the, on Apple-trees,
396.

Ananassa sativa variegata, cultivation of,
122.

Androsace, culture of, 357.

Anterrhinums, list of new, 259.

Apple, cultivation of the, its propaga-
tion, and stocks for it, 206, 251 —
grafting, 252, et seq. — budding, 253 —
inarching, 254 — training, 298 — the
border, 299 — situation, 301 — diseases,
354, 394— insects, 396, 461.

Apple weevil, the, 461 — sawfly, 462.

Arcades, Roses for, 151.

Aretia, culture of, 359.

Artichoke, cultivation of the Globe, 119
— the Jerusalem, 120.

Asparagus, culture of, 28, 68.

Asphalt walks, 315.

Auricula, cultui'e of the, 410.

Ayrshire Roses, 104.

Azalea procumbens, 222.

Banksian Roses, the, 105.

Bee-farming in 1869, 517.

Beet, cultivation of, 121.

Birmingham, spring gardening at, 365.

Bones as a manure for Roses, 3.

Borders for Vines, formation of, 153.

Bottom-heat, 567.

Bourbon Roses, 250.

Boursault Roses, the, 106.

Bryanthus erectus, culture of, 222.

Budding the Apple and Pear, 253 — the
Plum, 498.

Burnt earth as a manure for Roses, 5.

Caledonian Horticultural Society, its

international fruit-show, 46 — the

prizes offered, 143.
Campanula, culture and varieties of the,

130.
Canker in the Pear, causes, &c., of, 160

— in the Apple tree, 354.
Cape Heaths, 222.
Carter & Co., Messrs, the nurseries of,

303.
Cauliflower, culture of, 261.
Chrysanthemum, something about the,

41, 137.
Climbing Roses, list of, 99.
Cloth- of-Gold Noisette Rose, the, 100.
Codling moth, the, on the Apple, 462.
Coleus, new varieties of, 92.
Compost for the Pear, 165.
Correspondents, notices to, 47, 95, 144,

192, 242, 288, 336, 382, 437, 486,

534, 576.
Cortusa, culture of, 493.
Covetous exhibitor, the, a sketch, 443.
Cox, Mi-, gardener at Madersfield Court,

348.
Crab, the, as a stock for the Apple, 206.
Cropping fruit-tree borders, 506.
Cucumbers, the points of good, 399.
Curvilinear training of the Pear, the,

107.
Cyclamen, culture of the, 183, 563.
Dahlias, new, 187.
Damask Roses, 245.
Despondent exhibitor, the, a sketch,

444.
Difficulties : a word to young gardeners,

128— Part II., 276.
Dodecatheon, culture of, 495.
Education of gardeners, the, 156, 318,

553.
Education question, the, 410, 574.
England, appearance of the Philoxera

in, 312.
Epigcea, culture of, 222.

578

THE GARDENER.

[Dec.

Exhibition, selection of Roses for, 337.

Exhibitions — Liverpool Chrysanthe-
mum and Fruit show, 44 — Horticul-
tural Society's first spring show, 173
— Liverpool spring show, 189 — Horti-
cultural Society's second spring show,
236 — Caledonian Horticultural So-
ciety, 237 — Glasgow and "West of Scot-
land, 240 — Hamburg International,
241— Royal Botanic Society, 280—
Horticultural Society, 282 — Manches-
ter, 283_Paris, 319 -Crystal Palace,
321— Royal Botanic Society, 323—
Pelargonium show, 325 — Bramcote
Tulip, 329 — Caledonian Horticultural,
332 — Scottish Pansy, 334 — Glasgow,
335 — Horticultural Society's summer
show, 374 — Crystal Palace, 377 —
Rose shows, 3/9 — Manchester, 416,
422 — Royal Botanic Society's, 419 —
Aberdeen, 434 — Caledonian Horticul-
tural Society's International Fruit
show, 466 — Dundee Horticultural
Society, 479 — Strathearn, 484.

Farmyard manure for Roses, 6.

Florist flowers, list of new, 186 — Pansies,
187 — Hollyhocks, ih. — Dahlias, ih. —
Phloxes, 188 — Antirrhinums, 259—
Pentstemons, ih. — Fuchsias, 260 —
Pelargoniums, ih. — Verbenas, ih.

Fowler's Insecticide, 87.

Fruit, new varieties of, 123 — properties
of fruit- judging, 398.

Fruit-culture: the Vine, 18, 72, 153,
257.

Fruit-tree borders, cropping, 506.

Fuchsias, list of new, 260.

Garden Oracle, the, 143.

Garden requisites : Standen's Garden-
ers' Friend and Fowler's Insecticide,
86.

Garden Roses, list of, 195, 243.

Gardens in the Midland Counties, tra-
velling notes on, 137 — St John's
nursery, 345 — continued, 511.

Gardens, old and new, 51.

Gardeners, the Education of, 156,
318, 553.

Gardeners' Examinations, 519.

Gardener's Holiday, a, 34.

Gardener's Year-book, the, 47.

Gesnera culture, 234.

Gladiolus, culture of the, 541.

Globe Artichoke, cultivation of the,
119.

Gloire de Dijon, as a climbing Rose,
99.

Grafting, various systems of, 55 — the
Apple, 252.

Grafting-wax, the best, 57.

Grapes, new varieties of, 123 — judging
of, at shows, 399.

Guano as a manure for Roses, 4.

Hamburg International Exhibition, the,
4G5.

Hardy fruits, cultivation of, introduc-
tion, 11— the Pear, 13, 55, 106, 160
—the Apple, 206, 251, 298, 354, 394,
461— the Plum, 496, 536.

Hardy herbaceous plants, notes on : the
Lobelia, 23 — Parastranthus, 93 —
Tupa, 94 — Campanula, 130— Wahlen-
bergia, 179 — Jasione, 180 — Phyteu-
ma, 181 — Adenophora, 220 — Sym-
phiandra, ih. — Trachelium, 221 —
Erica, 221 — Menziesia, &c., 222 — Tri-
entalis, 255 — Lysimachia, 256 — An-
drosace, 357 — Aretia, 359 — Primula,
407, 457— Cortusa, 493— Soldanella,
494, Dodecatheon, 495 — Cyclamen,
563.

Heaths, hardy, culture of, 221— Cape,
222.

Hole, Rev. S. Reynolds, the Rose by,
see Rose.

Hole's book about Roses, review of,
534.

Holland, Grape-growing in, 258.

Hollyhocks, new, 187.

Holte hotel garden at Birmingham, the,
365.

Horticulture in America, 525.

Horizontal training for the Pear, 106.

Horticultural congress, 95.

Horticultural Society, prizes offered by,
192.

Hybrid Perpetual Roses, 247, et seq.

Inarching the Apple, 254.

Insects, 64.

Insects attacking the Pear, 161.

Ix-ascible exhibitor, the, a sketch, 441.

Iresine Herbstii, 93.

Jasione, culture of, 180.

Jerusalem Artichoke, cultivation of,
121.

Kenilworth, the site of, 138.

Kitchen Garden, the, No. I., introduc-
tion, 26— Asparagus, 28 — No. II.,
Asparagus continued, 68 — No. III.,
— the Globe Artichoke, 119 — the Jer-
usalem Artichoke, 121 — Beet, ih. — No.
IV., Cauliflower, 261— No. V., the
Lettuce, 351— No. VI., Onions, 487—
No. VII., the Parsnip, 545— Peas,
547. ,

Leaf-mould as a manure for Roses, 3.

Lebanon Cedar, on the propagation of
the, 188.

Lee, introduction of Standard Roses by,
289.

Lettuce, culture of the, 351.

Lichen on Apple trees, 394.

Lobelia, culture of the, 23.

Lysimachia, culture of, 256.

1869.]

INDEX.

579

M'Kie, Mr, presentation to, 485.

M'Millan, James, see Hardy Fruits.

Madersfield Court, the gardens, &c., at,
348.

Manchester exhibition, the, 142.

Manures for the Eose, 2.

Marechal ISTiel as a Climbing Eose,
101.

Meuziesia, culture of, 222,

Midland counties, notes on gardens in
the, 137 — St John's nursery, &c.,
345 — continued, 511.

Mildew on the Apple, 357.

Monthly Rose, the, 248.

Moss Roses, selection of, 201.

Mulberry, the, 133, 275.

Mussel scale, the, on the Apple, 464.

Nails versus Studs, 279.

New Plants : January, 37 — February,
84— March, 134— April, 177— May,
218— June, 273— July, 313— August,
371 — September, 405 — October, 455
— November, 514 — December 555.

New Zealand, notes on climate of,
451.

Newman's British Moths, review of,
484.

Nightsoil as a manure for Roses, 4.

Noisette Roses, 251.

North Wales, climate of, 34.

Oblique training of the Pear, the, 108.

Old Pear trees, renewal, &c., of. 111.

Onions, culture of, 487 — for competi-
tion, how to grow, 90.

Orchids, stone blocks for, 307.

Overcropping, danger of, with the Vine,
257.

Oxlip, culture of the, 410.

Pansies, new, 187.

Paradise stock for the Apple, the, 207,
208.

Paras tranth us, culture of, 93.

Parsnip, culture of the, 545.

Peach crop of 1869, the failure of the,
491, 561.

Peaches, yellow, 44 — new varieties of,
123.

Pear, its cultivation, 13 — stocks and
grafting, ib. et seq., 55 — after-treat-
ment, 60 — training, 106 — renewing,
&c., old trees. 111 — diseases and
insects, 160 — compost for it, 165 —
walls, 166.

Pears on Quince stocks in Scotland,
454.

Pear Scale, 552.

Peas, culture of, 547.

Pelargoniums, list of new, 260.

Pentstemons, list of new, 259.

Philloxera vastatrix, account of the, 202
— its appearance in England, 312.

Phloxes, new, 188.

Phyteuma, culture of, 181.

Pillar Roses, selection of, 145.

Plants, new, in Messrs Veitch's nursery,
43.

Plum, cultivation of the, 496 — propaga-
tion and stocks, ih. — budding, &c., 498
— training, 586.

Potatoes, experiments with, as to pro-
duce, 414 — concerning some good,
521.

Primrose, culture of the, 409.

Primula, culture of, 407, 457.

Provence Rose, the, 197.

Pyramids, training Pears as, 109.

Quince, the, as a stock for the Pear,
15.

Quince stock, the, 230, 363, 415.

Quince stocks. Pears on, in Scotland,
454.

Red-spider, destruction and prevention
of, 64.

Robinson's Parks, &c., of Paris reviewed,
287.

Rose, the, chap, vi., manures, 2 — chap,
vii., arrangement, 49 — chap, viii.,
selection, 97 — chap, ix., the same, 145
— chap, x., garden roses, 195— chap,
xi., 243 — chap, xii., Rose shows, 289
— chap, xiii., Roses for exhibition,
337 — chap, xiv., how to show it, 383,
— chap. XV., at a Rose-show, 439.

Rose in pots, cultivation of the, 88.

Roses, cultivation of, on their own
roots, 113.

Rose-show, at a, 439.

Rose-shows, on their history, 289 —
the first, 293.

St John's nursery, "Worcester, visit to,
345.

Scale insect on the Pear, the, 161.

Scottish Arboricultural Society, meet-
ing of the, 573.

Smith of Worcester, the nurseries of.
345.

Soil, preparation of, for the Pear, 165.

Soldanella, culture of, 494.

Soot as a manure for Roses, 3.

Spring gardening at Birmingham, 365.

Stable-dung as a manure for Roses, 5.

Standard Roses, their first introduction,
289.

Standards, Pears as, 109.

Standen's Gardeners' Friend, 86.

Statice profusa, culture of, 40.

Stem-boring weevil, the, 463.

Stone blocks for Orchids, 307.

Strawberry, to keep its fruit clean, 572.

Studs ver.-^us Nails, 279.

Sweet-briar, the, 246.

Symphiandra, culture of, 220.

Table decoration, 227.

Tall Standard Roses, on, 151.

580

THE GARDENER.

[Dec. 1869.

Tea Roses, 2.50.

Theoretical instruction, on, 12.5.

Thomson, D., .see Kitchen-Garden.

Thomson, W., see Fruit Culture.

Thomson's styptic, 124.

Thoresby, the gardens at, 35.

Trachelium, culture of, 211.

Training the Pear, various modes of,
106.

Travelling notes on gai'dens in the Mid-
land counties, 137, 345, 511.

Trenching, beneficial effects of, 124.

Trientalis, culture of, 255.

Tropceolum speciosum, 134, 182, 306,
516.

Tulip, jottings on the, ISTo. I., 62 — No.
II., 209.

Tupa, culture of, 84.

Under-gardeners' difficulties, 372.

Veitch memorial, the, 534.

Veitch, JMessrs, new and beautiful
plants in nursery of, 43 — their new
and rare plants, 625,

Verbenas, list of new, 260.

Vine, culture of the, 18, 72, 153, 257—
another chapter on the, 80 — Thom-
son's styptic for the, 124 — ovev-crop-
ing the, 257.

Vines, cutting down young to obtain
two growths, 302.

Vine-borders, formation of, 153.

Vine disease, new, 202.

Vinery, the, 19, et seq.

Wahlenbergia, culture of, 179.

Warwick Castle and gardens, 139 — the
Vase, 140.

Weeping Eoses, 152.

Whip-grafting, 56.

Wild-pear, the, as a stock for the Pear,
15.

Williams's Choice Stove-plants, review
of, 484.

Woolly bug, the, on Apple trees, 396.

Wortley Hall, the gardens, &c., at,
34.

— ~-^'>-E>^^'€r^8.-s — ■

PRINTED BY WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS, EDINBURGH.

New York Botanical Garden Librar

III

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